Learning to Walk

I am sure that you have heard me mention my nephew Tank, and his adventures in learning to walk. I have learned a lot watching him. Not that long ago, I have compared his journey to ours as we learn Tai Chi.  As adults it’s often hard to not be super great at something. Sometimes it can be overwhelming, or even embarrassing when we don’t “get it” right away.

While watching Tank, he would often take a step, panic, and quick sit down.  Sometimes he would even take a few steps and plop down just to scoot the rest of the way. Either way, no one ever once said he was doing it wrong. No one told him he would never be able to do it. No one made him feel bad. We all cheered him on. When he fell, we picked him back up and held his hand until he got the hang of it. We all told him what a good job he was doing and how strong he was. He would look up at us, smile his gooey smile, and try again. It might have taken him a little while to figure the whole walking thing out, but now he is a pro! 

Learning Tai Chi is a new “thing” for many of us. Most have never moved their body like in second circle, or Single Whip. I have joked with many of you; I have said that I will be starting a new thing using single whip to choose items at the grocery store. I am sure it will catch on soon. Looking at this from the right perspective; a lot of these moves are very new experiences. Especially trying to coordinate them and remember the next one. So we need to give ourselves some slack. As long as we keep trying, we will get it! Always keep in mind, RULE #2: don’t worry about it. The moves will come. The sequence will come. The balance and coordination will come. The only wrong way to do Tai Chi is to give up! 

The Japanese proverb “Nana korobi, ya oki” means “Fall down seven times, stand up eight.” It means choosing to never give up hope, and to always strive for more! 

Shamelessly including a picture of this handsome guy…

~ Kate