Lessons From Hurricane Sandy

Justin Stone often said, “Softness means letting go.” He also taught about living from a state of “non-attachment.” In 12 years of hosting T’ai Chi Chih intensives and teacher accreditations, the first time I ever faced cancelling an event was October 27th, when I received a call of great concern from Antonia. Sixteen people planned to travel from as far as Canada, reservations and arrangements had all been completed, but forecasters warned of an unprecedented storm. My mind (ego?) refused to accept that this could happen. Our event was set on the Atlantic Ocean on a barrier island that now is all but destroyed (and in some places no longer exists).

That night I sent an email stating that, for everyone’s safety, the Intensive was canceled. I spent the next day in shock, making hurricane preparations. The next night, the house was rattled for some 12 hours as if by a freight train, and New Jersey was plunged into darkness. We moved to a friend’s home for six days, returned to our home for two days, then moved out again when power was lost in a second raging storm that dumped a foot of heavy snow, downing even more trees and power lines than the original “superstorm.”

What does all this have to do with TCC? In hindsight, I see I allowed anger, fear and a general state of chaos to get the better of me. I failed to practice TCC when I needed it most. No one suffered from this mindless self-deprivation but me.

I’m grateful I came to my senses after three days and began the day with TCC. It was like returning to my “true home.” My outlook and demeanor began changing immediately. I started to release frustration and anger over lost work and weeks of irretrievably lost income. Compassion was awakened for those whose losses made my upsets look like a picnic in the park. Gratitude for life, health and safety, and TCC soothed my wounded ego, which continued to scream lies of fear and self-pity. The hope and motivation to move on, and even re-schedule this Intensive at another location in January, began to take over. I have TCC to thank.

So, as Justin Stone often said, “There’s only one thing I ask of you: Practice! Practice when you feel like it. Practice when you don’t feel like it. The rewards will be great.”