Courage to Start Now

After our heartwarming 50th anniversary conference in Albuquerque, I was reminded by the Chi again that T’ai Chi Chih (TCC) is a gift for myself and the world. I had been inactive, idle, passive, unmoving this past year (and even for the last four years). My body hurt, and my legs were not enjoying the freedom of movement in my life. The conference called me: Come.

I enjoyed Carmen’s seated TCC presentation at the conference and stood as I could for practice. Although I felt a mixture of stiffness and ease, I felt the Chi present inside me and all around us. All the love was there.

We had a neighbourhood block party the week I returned, and I was happy to share what I had been doing and what had happened at our conference. The block party provided an opportunity to share more courageously about myself and the things I love to do (TCC being one of the most important).

Several people were immediately interested in learning TCC. Since we do not have a centre in Edmonton or a place to offer classes that isn’t costly (other than my home), we would start class within our cul-de-sac, on the road, or in my yard, weather dependent. A few people responded right away to my email; some did not. But this morning, I decided that we would begin tomorrow, on August 8 at 11 o’clock. People will come when they can, I will encourage home practice, and I will carry on through peoples’ vacations until the weather gets too cool to be outside. Then we will decide what to do next.

The Chi was certainly present and “busy” at our conference. My heart was touched in a way that called me to step up and do more. To have courage to be me. I was encouraged to share more of myself, my life, and my interests. I know there is more bubbling up. The Chi is with and within each of us.