Why tai chi?

Day Twenty-four

Six thousand five hundred eighteen days ago I stepped into my first tai chi class. My inability to walk more than a block without pain is what finally motivated me to do something. Since I'd had a long fascination with Eastern traditions tai chi seemed to be a good fit since the yoga postures I'd seen looked impossible. I read an article in the newspaper, attended a demonstration and tai chi looked accessible. I entered with a 36 year old body that performed more like a sixty year old's. Now, I feel more flexible than I was in my twenties, more vibrant than ever before, strong and balanced

I learned later that my first class was my1 entry into the Tao. As I got more serious about my practice and more involved with sharing the healing art I walked in the Tao. My cultivation of the Tao began when I realized the further I go, the beginner I get. It's like breathing, I'll do it until I die.

My top five reasons for sticking with tai chi:

1. It makes me feel good, there's joy in the movements. 
2. I'm energized by it instead of being worn out. 
3. It keeps my interest.
4. It makes me a better person.
5. The people.

Thank you Mr. Moy and all the caring instructors I've had. I can only repay your gift by practicing diligently.

Intentions check-in: Still good on the dailies but I will admit here and now that I am setting aside the last intention, which was a hope to find a new way to plan my daily activities. I have decided, for now, to stick with what I'm doing. It works well enough. The quest for the perfect application had become its own little obsession. Aren't I precious? I MUST must must get my numbers together for my money meeting this coming week. That needs to happen this weekend.

1 Just because my first tai chi class was MY entry into the Tao doesn't mean it is for everyone. For some it's the perfect physical exercise.

I practice the arts taught by the Taoist Tai Chi Society in case you're wondering. Again, I apologize for spelling and grammatical errors. It's a ready, fire, aim, fire again kind of morning. Out with perfection, in with action.