Keep Practicing. Let Go. By Sheryl Adair, Atlanta, Georgia taichichih.org/teacher/sheryl-adair

A student came over recently to share a T’ai Chi Chih (TCC) practice, post-COVID-19. Her fingers were moving during our practice and I thought: hmmm…. The pandemic had provided her an opportunity to practice often and to really let go. After practice she couldn’t wait to ask, “Did you see my fingers moving?” I casually replied, “Yes.” She had been waiting for what Justin called a confirmatory sign that the Chi was freely flowing. A very bright lady with a law degree, it was hard for her to let go of the mental.

I can personally identify with a student whose movements are precise and controlled rather than loose and natural. It took me a long time to let go enough, all the way to my fingertips. After our practice, I received a note with these pyramid poems:

thanks
again
for sharing
the gift of Chi
and friendship
means so
much

my
reward
believing
practicing too
fingers move
Chi flows
calm

At the teacher conference I was reminded that Justin used to say, “Barn burned down. Now I see the moon.” Could that apply here? Let go!