It takes a lot of courage to
release the familiar and seemingly secure, to embrace the new. But there is
no real security in what is no longer meaningful. There is more security in
the adventurous and exciting, for in movement there is life, and in change
there is power.
(Alan Cohen)
Beginning
is hardest
The beginners syllabus
constitutes
only a fraction of the overall curriculum yet it takes relatively longer to learn
than later aspects of the tai chi. Why is this?
For a beginner, everything is new.
You must start out with the absolute basics and learn. More importantly, you
must unlearn.
All of your habits, preconceptions and misconceptions must be shed.
This takes time. It takes patience. And it takes determination: a quiet
resolve to stay the course.
An intermediate student will learn more quickly than a beginner because they
have a strong foundation beneath them.
The fundamental body skills exist already and do not need to be learned from
scratch.
Commitment
Few people every reach a state of real skill in any endeavour they pursue.
The Western world is filled with half-hearted people who struggle to
maintain any lasting commitment.
We want immediate results. We want instant gratification. We want
overnight skill.
This is an unrealistic attitude to adopt.
Tai chi cannot be hurried or forced. It takes time and it requires patience.
Imagine a gourmet chef?
How long do imagine it takes a complete novice to become a gourmet chef?
Be honest. Be realistic.
Consider learning a new language or how to play an instrument or how to
repair a car?
These abilities will not emerge over a matter of weeks. You must invest
years in practice and study.
Do not underestimate the level of skill required in any activity. To go from
novice to expert takes time.
Investment
'Investment' is a very important word. It has the connotation of being
worthwhile.
Think of your tai chi practice as being an investment. The time spent now
will pay off in the future:
You will benefit from improved health and wellbeing
You will be capable of defending yourself, should the need arise
You will feel calmer and more relaxed in your everyday life
You will have a better quality of relationship with those around you
When you are aged 20, tai chi may
not appeal. When you are aged 50 and your body suffers a life of neglect, things
may have changed for you.
The sooner a person starts tai chi the better. They have a longer period of time
to explore the art.
Time spent
Tai chi skill is not to be found by copying your teacher.
The art is about manifesting the taoist principles in your tai chi and your
everyday life.
This is a day-by-day enterprise. A journey of inner and outer discovery. A
reconsideration of your life.
Do not think of it in terms of end product. The process is what matters.
Page created 4 October 2002