Students Blooming

My recurring Tuesday/Thursday sessions at FirstHealth combine instruction with a closing practice, and during a recent class, I was scanning each of the 15 students. And while I suggest fasting of the mind during practice, as a teacher I watch students as they execute the movements. Each was practicing within the range of his or her understanding and ability.

How great it would be if everyone were practicing perfectly, in unison, like teachers at conference or while conducting a demonstration. That was not what was going on, though. How many subtly different expressions of Daughter in the Valley or Daughter on the Mountaintop could I count? As we moved through Carry the Ball to the Side, the adherence to form was better. My mind wandered again as I imagined other instructors and Justin peering through the window.

Outside the dandelions are blooming in a lawn untouched by the maintenance crew. Each little plant stretches its yellow bloom upward, some with straight stems, some bent, crooked, angled helter-skelter, but each one facing the sun, pulling in the energy of the sun.

Inside, the dandelions are also blooming. Richard is in the far corner out of view, but within voice range. Virginia is working through her fibromyalgia pains as she embraces the movements with a wan smile. Joanne, a long-term regular, may never get the whole staying true to form thing, but she certainly enjoys the sessions and she is a light for others always quick with a smile and support. Fresh from Zumba, Lee is strong and focused, and settling in deeper to practice as she unwinds.

Joseph is having a tough time recovering from a stroke last year. He attacks the movements with muscles that seem to fight him, his body leaning and face stressing, but less than before. We will chat once more before he leaves about upright body posture, letting go, relaxing, releasing.

Cree showed me her program assessment chart before we started class. She had scored highest in “balance” for which she credits TCC. Her current goal is 21 days in a row of TCC. At 80-something, she moves with peace and serenity despite the support wrap on her right arm and leg. Hardin, an athlete and warrior recovering from a car accident and seeking peace, moves her imposing frame with grace. Ron, the retired coach and athlete, practices with total enthusiasm and enjoyment.

Molly quietly moves through her movements and I feel her support and energy. Just to my right, Def mirrors my movements. I know Nancy is right behind me, out of view, practicing as best she can and enjoying it. I watch as young Christina, not yet 30, adapting to life after surgery to remove tumors from her brain, struggles with her balance, but moving so much better than when she began.

Before I realize it, the hour is almost over. I conclude each session with a short comment, and for some reason, I was wrestling with what to say today. I reminded myself to let go, that the right words would come. As I began to speak, Christina fell to the floor. Embarrassed slightly but not surprised, she brushed away assistance with a smile and cheery comment, “You know, I don’t have the best balance just yet.” Her fellows helped her up. I mentioned that falling down is a good way to learn.

The session was over. Upon leaving, I saw Christina doing a cross-stitch while waiting for the county transport vehicle to take her home. I stopped to say goodbye and pointed out how much better she was doing now. She smiled big and said that yesterday she was able to put her pants on without holding on to anything. I wondered what would benefit my TCC brochure. “Practice TCC and you can put your pants on without holding on to anything.” We take so much for granted. A breeze picked up as I walked toward the parking lot. To my left the dandelions were swaying.