My Best Was Good Enough

During the tense week leading up to the T’ai Chi Chih teacher training, I bravely said to one of my teachers, “I’m going to simply do the best I can and if that’s not good enough, I can live with it.” During the training, however, I found it difficult to hold that mindset amidst long, busy and stressful days. The level of my sincerity was tested; I often conducted an inner search of my true values.

On the first day of teacher training I wrote down my primary objectives: to remain calm, stay open to new ideas, accept and learn from criticism, and give to those around me. As the week unfolded, I met most of these objectives, most of the time. However, giving to others seemed out of balance by the end of the week, since I received far more from the teacher trainer, auditors and peer candidates than I was able to give. Upon attaining accreditation, this imbalance calls upon me to give more to others as I return to daily life and begin teaching.

The brave mindset of simply doing my best was tested, but it helped me to better understand my commitment to teaching TCC. My best was good enough. I am grateful for this training experience and especially thankful for the support and encouragement of my teachers.