The Roar of Celery & Carrots

If only I had a bumper sticker business: I could be a millionaire selling bumper stickers to my fellow T’ai Chi Chih students. Who wouldn’t want their vehicles adorned with phrases like “Flowing With Softness & Continuity” … “The Effort Of No Effort” … “Let Your Shoulders Relax.” Is it poetry? Dance? Therapy? It’s in my nature to question, wonder, and doubt. But I’m learning the joy of letting my body’s movements find the answers. In fact, it’s not about learning at all; it’s about unlearning. Forget your head and concentrate on your center. Toss away your ideas of getting it perfect and rely on your body to remember. Let it go and let it flow. My initial fears have turned to fearlessness. I am a student again and I can do it.

It’s really all about the practice. I have actually done some movements on vacation in the pool, while waiting for a bus, and while walking through a park. I have seen references to it in movies, on the Internet, and in the news. I’m a little possessive: I call it my TCC – as when I mention to my wife, “Look, honey, there’s another wild and crazy person practicing my TCC.” Suddenly, I’m part of a private club with a language all its own and I feel just a little sorry for those who haven’t joined yet. Some of us are convinced the world is on the brink of discovering TCC. Soon it will be as big as eBay, iTunes, and the Home Shopping Network.

As a 57-year old retired teacher, I was convinced I had learned everything. And then I was introduced to the magic of TCC practice and the inspiring Bill Moore, who is part instructor and part friend. I have learned to stop asking how it all works. I now allow TCC to come inside and become a part of me – and not just for an hour a week but for days at a time. I now see things with a new vision, approach things in a new way, and welcome things with a new attitude. On my way home from our weekly class, I speed past Burger King and head home for celery and carrots. I am warrior, hear me roar.