There are stages of learning which every student goes through when learning Tai Chi. First they are excited about learning something new, trying to remember the routine and perfect the moves. This is shortly followed by a period of trying to get to grips with it all. A good instructor will layer the different aspects needed over the lessons and weeks so that the student keeps moving forward and progressing, rather than giving them all the details in one lesson and dampening the enthusiasm.
It is too much to expect a student to get to grips with the arm movements, routine, relaxing and perfecting weak legs all in the same lesson. A good instructor will guide you through your journey, dispensing each layer as the student requires. All students learn and progress at different stages and not all in the same pattern either. Our job is to keep you focused, learning and enjoying what you are doing so that you want to learn more. For this reasons alone you should take your time to find an instructor who suits your personality, who you can trust and like spending time with.
Learning Tai Chi is a constant moving experience, both physically and emotionally. You should discover yourself on both levels, as you progress. Many, many student just rush to learn the form, they want to get to the end of it so that they can tick the box to say, ‘yep, done that’. They don’t enjoy the experiences along the way. It’s like going on a beautiful train journey across the Grand Canyon, amazing scenery but, only if you get your head out of your book to see it!
There are times on this journey when you will not be able to express, in words, your question. Your instructor will understand, sometimes words are not needed but, you will get your answer. Your teacher will be able to see what you are doing, where you are concerned and, after correction we usually find that then the student articulates what is was they wanted to ask.
You will discover a lot about yourself too. Sometimes it’s just confirmation of stuff you half knew already but, maybe didn’t want to admit too e.g. impatience. Other times Tai Chi’s influence is slower and more profound. You start to see the world differently, you take a step back from what is going on around you and see it for what it is. This doesn’t mean you’re detached from life or friends, family, colleagues etc. Just that you see them and their action more clearly. You can see genuine kindness, you can see the confusion of those around you. You now have time, if you wish to, to do something about it. This can be a very scary prospect for most but, with the help of a good teacher you will navigate your way through.
So, enjoy what you are doing, even on the not so good days. Know that you will get to the end of the form one day and don’t deny yourself the chance to learn, grow and change along the way. Travel well and it will set you up for life.
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