Transitions

For years I had heard or seen snippets about T’ai Chi Chih and I always knew that at some point I would learn how to do it. About three years ago that opportunity came. I was at an absolute low in my life, having just left an overwhelming corporate job that left me more stressed and exhausted than I had ever been in my entire life. I was so depleted that I could barely struggle to the backyard to lie in the hammock where I would read again and again the story relating the struggles that Odysseus encountered in returning to his home, Ithaca, after years abroad with his heroic adventures. Looking back on it, I was facing some of the same life issues: leaving the time of outer achievement and establishment of my personal identity and transitioning to a deeper, more internal and spiritual time.

Unknown to me at the time, the practice of TCC would become a huge part of that transition. A couple of months later, I had a very gentle and pleasant introduction to TCC with my first class taught by Judy Hendricks who really motivated me to practice. Since then, I have taken many more classes, attended retreats and participated in teacher prep training and Seijaku classes. Sometimes I went on this journey kicking and screaming, but with the love, support and encouragement of my teachers (Carmen, Dora and Judy), I have stuck with it and received great benefits. I would sometimes arrive at a class or retreat being totally whacked out of shape for various reasons and would leave feeling joyous and very connected to myself.

The result of this whole journey is that I am feeling better on all levels than I have for a long time. I am maintaining my ideal weight (after losing almost 50 pounds) and getting regular exercise. I am more mindful and more clear and consistent with my spiritual practices. TCC has allowed me to face several unpleasant things about myself, and I suspect that growth opportunities will never stop. My next challenge is to improve my practice as much as I possibly can before participating in November’s teacher accreditation. I feel great appreciation for the mentoring I have received on many levels, and I feel TCC will always be a source of growth and transformation as I move forward in life.