| tai chi | tai chi | i ching divination | i ching divination | tao art | tao art |
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Tai Chi, I Ching |  |
Tai Chi, I Ching |  |
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| tai chi | tai chi | i ching divination | i ching divination | tao art | tao art |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
This is offered to my students when they show enthusiasm for wanting to learn Tai Chi but want it to be easier for them.
"You are never given a wish without also being given the power to make it true.
You may have to work for it, however."
Often students get frustrated and insist that they just can't remember what to do, or that they always make the same mistakes. This is a reminder for them.
"Argue for your limitations,
and sure enough,
they're yours."
My students occasionally ask why I teach Tai Chi and how I can be so patient with them as they perceive themselves stumbling through the learning process. I share with them these thoughts.
"You teach best what you most need to learn."
"Learning is finding out what you already know.
Doing is demonstrating that you know it.
Teaching is reminding others that they know just as well as you.
You are all learners, doers, teachers."
Class ending is a sad time for many students. They have endured months of lessons, they have persevered, they have learned and shared their time and energies with numerous others that were once strangers. I think this is a wonderful reflection on the relationships that we build in class.
"Don't be dismayed at good-byes.
A farewell is necessary before you can meet again.
And meeting again, after moments or lifetimes,
is certain for those who are friends."
Here is a "chapter" from the book called "Starting Out is Hard." This seems to be an issue with many students of Tai Chi.
"The first steps toward wisdom are the most strenuous, because out weak and stubborn souls dread exertion (without guarantee of reward) and the unfamiliar. As you progress in your efforts, your resolve is fortified and self-improvement progressively comes easier. By and by it actually becomes difficult to work counter to your own best interest.
By the steady but patient commitment to removing unsound beliefs from our souls, we become increasingly adept at seeing through our flimsy fears, our bewilderment in love, and our lack of self control. We stop trying to look good to others. One day, we contentedly realize we've stopped playing to the crowd."
When it comes to practice, I do everything I can to encourage my students when they complain that they can't remember the movements, or it doesn't seem right, or they keep getting "stuck." I remind them that this is something that they must occasionally accept.
"Pursue the good ardently.
But if your efforts fall short, accept the result and move on."
Again, a short reminder for them to do there best regardless of the distractions and events that tug their time from them.
"Regardless of what is going on around you, make the best of what is in your power, and take the rest as it occurs."
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