A Lesson In Being Present

Recently, I was asked to do a T’ai Chi Chih demonstration and practice at the Downtown Block Party here in Glenwood Springs. It was very interesting to say the least – held in a small park on Main Street while a band, vendors with beer and food, and lots of cars swirled nearby. The organizer wanted me to wear a microphone, which was immediately intimidating. I began with Rocking Motion and invited folks sitting nearby and milling around to join. One person tried it seated; the rest of the crowd gawked. I thought geeze, what shall I do? Breathe. Ground. Carry on. Work through the awkwardness. Center. Continue to breathe. And then it happened.

Three young people scurried over to participate. They had a little baby that they plunked on the grass in front of me. I finally had a group. The baby made me smile and she smiled back. As we got to Light at the Top of the Head and Light at the Temple, the young man blurted, “Wow, this is so awesome.” We finished and he added, “I was just called to join you. I think we came to the Block Party just for this without knowing it.” Then a woman who had just been watching came over to share that, “It reduced my blood pressure just watching you move.” She signed up for a course starting soon.

I was so inspired by all of this. What started out as a difficult situation turned into a blessing. The Chi moves as it will. We just have to show up.