Unworthy
The
simplest things are often the hardest to understand
– because our minds keep racing off in the wrong directions.
(Edward De Bono)
The tai chi image
Tai chi is sometimes depicted on television and in the written media.
The pictures show practitioners in shiny red tai chi suits with a sword in their
hand and a rather smug facial expression.
It gives the impression of tai chi being elitist.
This is just an image that certain people have adopted and has absolutely
nothing to do with tai chi.
Wanting to be recognised for your performance of tai chi says far more about you
than it does your tai chi.
Exhibitionism
Tai chi exhibitionists alienate many potential students.
They present the art as being something that it is not, and would probably be
equally happy performing at their local amateur dramatics society.
Performance art is about the audience, the attention - whereas tai chi is about
the substance, the internal.
Inclusive
Taoism does not advocate elitism and snobbery.
No one is considered 'better than' or 'worse than' anybody else; we are who and
where we are, and comparison is seen as pointless.
Some people find tai chi to be quite easy to learn, whilst others struggle to
grasp the basics.
This is healthy and natural.
We are all different and you must be allowed to proceed at your own pace and in
your own time.
Unworthy
In our tai chi school everyone is encouraged to feel their own rhythm and
explore the art for themselves.
No one is unworthy or useless.
We do not praise the skilful or ignore the novice.
The classes are not an outlet for performance artists and exhibitionists - it is
an environment of learning and discovery.
There is a warmth of feeling and companionship, humour and humility.
Everyone matters.
Page created 3 April 1998