Perspectives on the Relationship Between Teaching and Work

I used to have a job with a big title and big salary, and taught T’ai Chi Chih once a week for very little money — just enough to rent the studio. I thought I was lucky because I had a job that would support my teaching.

Now I work for myself, making barely enough money to pay my bills, and teach T’ai Chi Chih for not a lot of money — a little more than enough to pay for the studio. I consider myself lucky because T’ai Chi Chih supports my work. Out of the quietness, the discipline and the joy comes whatever I need to help my clients, meet my deadlines, face my future.

So I ask myself: what is my work? What does it mean to teach T’ai Chi Chih? Which thing supports the other?

The answer: it doesn’t make any difference. Just do both.