Tai Chi...

[fajrdrako]

Tai Chi tonight was difficult; for some reason, my foot was hurting badly, and that made me stand unevently, and that made my lower back ache. So once near the beginning of the class and once near the end I sat out a set and just watched the others. I liked the sequences we did today; sometimes I think I'm really getting into the flow of it.

Comments

[walkingowl]

You're doing what you can do. Mind thinks that's one thing, body believes it's another! I'm sorry your foot was hurting. Think about October 29, looking back... how much farther you'll have progressed.

[fajrdrako]

Yeah... it's an interesting exercise in body-mind coordination. I'm winning, but I'm not sure yet whether it's a matter of putting effort into it, or zenlike lack of effort with plenty of practice - which is what the teacher seems to be nonverbally advocating. Which is cool.

[walkingowl]

What a fascinating experience, all in all. And, isn't it a goal of tai chi that one be able to do it without conscious thought? Or am I wrong?

I want to point out, in a gingerly and I'm-not-complaining way, that I find your Martha icon, at the main entry here, to be very hard to look at. It is one of those face-images that bother me, it seems. So, uh, thanks with helping me with my facial-images research [g]....

[fajrdrako]

I think you're right about the 'conscious thought', but I need to have it in my head to be able to practise to that point.

Why are you having problems with Martha? Just a while back I was wondering if you had trouble with face-images on icons. Since I like them, I use them all the time. I will remember not to use Martha with you again. Or, at least, not that Marta. Is this one all right?

[auriaephiala]

That must be frustrating, but it, too, will pass.

Remember that just watching still allows you to understand the moves better...

[fajrdrako]

I can expect the Foot to have good days and bad days.

They're having a set review on Sunday, and I'm planning to go. I'm not sure I can stay on my feet for three hours, but I'm bound to learn more.

[sollersuk]

You should have been in my friend G's class. Many of her students have arthritis, some are in wheelchairs and others do much of it sitting down. Naturally not all moves are available but many are.

[fajrdrako]

I would have liked that last night! But the whole point of doing Tai Chi - well, some of the point - is to exercise my foot and get it working normally again, so coddling it isn't something I should be doing if I can help it.

Sometimes I wish I could have a Tai Chi class every day. I'm at the point where the moves seem very confusing. I know, if I practise and persevere, this will pass...

And I'm hanging in there till I can take the classes with swords.

[walkingowl]

Hee. Because you already have the sword, eh?

[fajrdrako]

Yes, the sword is just waiting for me.