I just returned from a week-long Tai Chi training intensive with my teacher and mentor, Dr. Roger Jahnke. As always, I am astounded at the depth of training I have received, on so many levels. Dr. Jahnke is an amazing teacher whose mission and vision so closely match my own, that I am continually inspired and empowered by my ongoing training sessions with him. Not only did I learn a Tai Chi modified short form in just a few days, but I also soaked up so much richness regarding teaching and just living and being.
Having been through a week-long training last year with many of the same people in this group, it was quite interesting to see how we all grew and evolved over the past year, largely in part because of our training and practice. And what is most remarkable to me is that this evolution seemed to dissolve barriers of ego and judgment of ourselves and of each other. This time around, we formed a near-Utopian society, supporting and upholding each other and nourishing ourselves. How does this happen? Because we are held in a space of loving acceptance and empowering freedom. We are solidly taught the forms and concepts inherent to the system, yet we are given full permission to find our own way – adding to or subtracting from anything we learn to make it fit.
So my suggestion this month is to celebrate diversity and quiet judgment. Notice when your inner critic jumps to a conclusion about someone’s behavior. Can you be aware of the behavior but still love the person? Can you empower them to find their own way? Do you feel accepted and empowered? Can you find that from within?
It is my wish that you find your solid roots and powerful wings.
