A Graceful Conclusion

For those teachers and students who spent a great deal of time practicing with Justin or working with his T’ai Chi Chih DVD it became very natural to hear him say, at the end of a movement, “And come to a graceful conclusion.” This simple phrase carries more than just the ending of a movement; it is an invitation to do what we must do, and when it is finished to end it gracefully. Even the sound of the words can remind us that we can live grace-filled lives.

After a particular teacher TCC practice I became aware of how appropriate this phrase is to most of our life. Teachers usually share a meal together after our Tuesday practice. As we were getting ready to leave the restaurant, I could feel that we were coming to a graceful conclusion of a lovely time together. I heard a story about two people who were having an argument over something simple, which was being blown out of proportion. It came to me that if they just came to a graceful conclusion of the argument, it would be much easier for them to remain friends after the argument was over.

Throughout the day we often start and end situations: phone calls, trips to the grocery store, helping our children with homework, washing clothes, going to work, making the bed or cooking a meal. The list seems endless, yet each situation has a beginning and an end. At the end, by claiming a graceful conclusion, whatever doesn’t feel finished lends itself to completion. It’s a good feeling.

How do we finish what we’re doing? Do we not think this ending that Justin used has an effect on us when we use it throughout the day? We do realize that TCC practice has an effect, and there are reasons why this happens.

It’s quite amazing that this simple phrase can make such a difference. Throughout each day, Justin’s words, “Come to a graceful conclusion,” come to mind and as they do I usually find myself smiling. Perhaps it’s a special way to learn to love and share the Chi.