There Are No Mistakes

I want to share an experience I had when I decided to run a TCC advertisement in a New-Age health magazine. I went to the office of the magazine and had a nice conversation with the owner/editor. I learned that Justin had accredited him to teach T’ai Chi Chih over 10 years ago in Albuquerque!

I had recently developed a new TCC logo depicting the interaction of the Yin Chi and Yang Chi polarities. I was proud of my new logo, and looking forward to seeing my advertisement in this magazine.

The night before the ad was to be published I had a terrible dream: the magazine had ruined the text of my ad, and they had not even used my logo. I was able to distance myself from these thoughts by telling myself “these people are professionals.”

The next day I was pleased to find my ad at the beginning of the advertising section; I was thankful for my good fortune. I then realized that they had mistakenly altered my new logo. I couldn’t believe my horrible dream had come true!!

I tried to feel the message behind this experience, and I began to gently practice my T’ai Chi Chih movements. When I had returned to my feet it occurred to me that the Yin and Yang elements were now in the positions of Heaven and Earth. It was then that I realized the logo was a beautiful gift from the Universe!

When I decided to embrace the gift I felt a great wave of love and Chi sweep through me. I immediately called the magazine and explained what had happened. As the owner was about to apologize I explained how pleased I was with the new logo, and thanked him for his part in the whole affair.

The logo was no longer mine, but I had contributed to its creation. In this way I am unable to “teach” T’ai Chi Chih, but I share in it’s transmission. I realized that as I share T’ai Chi Chih with others I must continually offer myself in humble service to the Universe. I have found that the greatest results of my efforts have come from helping to solve the problems of others. I feel that selfless giving “empties your cup” so the Universe may again refill you. It is as Justin says in his book, 20th Century Psalms, “If things don’t go well, try giving.”

What joy I have in knowing that the Universe accepts my efforts, and uses them to serve the greatest purpose of all…SHARING THE CHI!!!

– Edward Altman
Long Beach, Ca.