What I am trying to say is

“Life is change
Growth optional
Choose wisely”

“Students seek teachers.
Teachers seek students.
One day the student becomes the teacher.”

“A good teacher is a student forever.”

“Bamboo is flexible it moves with the wind.”

“Flow with the river.”

“The sharp edges of rocks become smooth
from wind, rain, and water. Move softly
through life.”

These are a few words of wisdom we have most likely heard at some point in our lives. I remember hearing some of these statements during my continuous study and practice of T’ai Chi Chih. It does not matter who said them or when they were said. I remember the words and try to apply them to my life and practice.

The following are taken from articles students and teachers of T’ai Chi Chih have written. I find their words of wisdom pertinent during this time of change within the T’ai Chi Chih Community.

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Feel the emotion; then let go. Recognize what is real. With all this sticky stuff enticing us, often we feel the emotion and hold on! A while ago, my teacher was relaying to me a difficulty with a mutual friend. I felt sad to hear of the predicament. The talk changed to something else, and I said, “Wait! Maybe I could call him and –” He interrupted with, “Call who?” The teacher had already moved on.

It seems that T’ai Chi Chih tills the soil so that we can allow writings, experiences, and conversations to take root and show us a softer way to move through life. Things will do what they are supposed to do; we can rest in that. —Connie Hyde, T’ai Chi Chih News, July 2003

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I am also trying to be more like the flexible bamboo rather than the sturdy oak. I have always wanted things done my way on my schedule. When things did not go my way, I would begin to get stressed out and things always seemed to get worse before they got any better. Being a flexible bamboo does seem to alleviate some of my stress, and believe it or not, things seem to get done more effectively. —Lisa Renee France, Vital Force, July 2003

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Justin teaches us that the Chi affects our thoughts and feelings, and our thoughts and feelings affect the Chi. If I am to be an active participant in my growth, it’s critical that I look within and take note of the things I can consciously change. Am I harboring negative emotions that can impede the flow of Chi? I continually try to be open to change and to recognize and let go of negativity – resentment, anger, and cynicism. Changing one’s attitude is not “effortless effort,” and it can be a gradual process, but I definitely have a gentler approach to life than I did when I opened the door to the Center for my first T’ai Chi Chih class. As I invite the Chi at the beginning of each practice, I am so very grateful for this journey of self-discovery and the profound experience that awaits me. —Melinda Menke, T’ai Chi Chih News, May 2002

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What I am trying to say is, may we remember our practice and practice what we have learned.