Aikido practice is purification of the body and mind on all levels.   Nothing is too small or too big for our misogi.[1]

If people do not understand the principle of takemusu aiki [2], they will only think about winning, never wanting to lose, matching brawn against brawn, bullying the weak and powerless – in short, they take an aggressive attitude.

To rid the world of aggression and contention is the purpose of Aikido. {HofA p97}

The key to good technique is to keep your hands, feet and hips straight and centered.   If you are centered, you can move freely.   Use this principle to guide your opponent and lead him (or her) in the direction that you want.   If your opponent wants to pull let him pull.   Let him do whatever he wishes, and he will be unable to grasp on to anything to control.  {AofP p69}

Do not stare into the eyes of your opponent: he may mesmerise you.   Do not fix your gaze on his sword: he may intimidate you.   Do not focus on your opponent at all: he may absorb your energy.   The essence of training is to bring your opponent completely into your sphere.   Then you can stand just where you like. {AofP p81}

Progress comes to those who train and train;  reliance on secret techniques will get you nowhere.   Fiddling with this and that technique is of no avail.   Simply act decisively without reserve! {AofP p84}

References

[1] misogi (purification of body and mind – mentally washing away malicious, negative and petty thoughts).
The practice of Aikido will sweat out the impurities of your body, wash away negative and malicious thoughts, get you in tune with your environment, and clear your path of obstacles and barriers.
Good Aikido is a form of misogi for all the people who are training”{HofA p137}

[2] takemusu aiki
take stands for valour and bravery; it represents the irrepressible and indomitable courage to live.
musu typifies birth, growth, accomplishment, fulfillment.
Taken together, takemusu aiki is “the life-generating force capable of unlimited transformations”.
For O-sensei, takemusu aiki is code for “the boldest and most creative life possible.” {HofA p141}

Bibliography

{HofA}- The Heart of Aikido by Morihei Ueshiba  (translation by John Stevens) publ Kodansha USA 2010

{AofP}- The Art of Peace by Morihei Ueshiba (translation John Stevens) publ Shambala USA 2002