Follow Your Dream

When I moved to the Coachella Valley (Palm Springs, CA) [two] year[s] ago I had great plans to teach the T’ai Chi Chih form. A friend of mine linked me up with a country club and we offered a couple of successful classes. What I really wanted to do was to teach at Eisenhower Memorial Hospital as an alternate form of treatment/exercise. That same friend who got me into the country club suggested I talk to a fitness trainer who taught at both the club and the hospital. Not only was he receptive, but he got on the phone and called the hospital while I stood there. I had an appointment that same afternoon. Sounds too good? It gets better. We negotiated a teaching agenda and then I heard nothing. I sent an e-mail to Carl, my contact, and received one back saying he needed three things: 1) a copy of my certification, 2) a current CPR card, and 3) Workman’s Comp insurance.

Excuse me? Workman’s Comp insurance? I don’t think so. Having owned a business in Chicago, I knew how expensive the insurance was, and to teach a couple of classes it wasn’t worth it. What to do? Call Pam Towne when things look bleak! I knew Pam was teaching at a hospital and she was a great help. First she reminded me that one should follow the path of teaching that they are led to and not all things are meant to be. Then she shared a liability waiver that had worked for her. She advised me to follow Pranja and let it be.

I called Carl back and told him 1) my certificate was in storage (true, since I was not moved into the new house) 2) I didn’t have a CPR card, and 3) What was this about Workman’s comp insurance, how about a waiver instead. He said 1) no problem about the certificate, 2) the hospital will pay for you to get a CPR card, and 3) a waiver would be just fine. Go figure!

[One] year later and I [was] teaching four classes a week at the hospital, had been invited to participate in the 30 year anniversary health fair, and possibly start a class for Parkinson patients. Yes, the hospital has made me a Per Diem employee so I also get free labs and even a free turkey at Thanksgiving. I have a lot to be thankful for, but most importantly to Pam Towne for her inspiring words.

So if you have a dream about sharing the T’ai Chi Chih form with the world—Go for it!!!