Finding Tai Chi’s Potential through Workshops
By De Anna Beasley
I always look forward to workshops because they present an opportunity to dig in and become excited about Tai Chi. My very first workshop was the summer of 2008. At that point I had six to seven months worth of training behind me, so I probably knew “Push the Mountain, Move the Sea,” a few Qigong exercises, and I may have already started part one of the form.
For a novice like me, it was very exciting to see the various styles of martial arts taught at The Peaceful Dragon, and also to see what was in store for me if I continued my practice. Simply watching how advanced students moved was inspiring.
I always come away from workshops with a new eagerness about my Tai Chi’s potential, and Master [Eric] Sbarge’s annual fall Tai Chi Retreat was no exception. I like that they called it a re-treat because it was just that. I set aside the books and computer and devoted an entire day to nothing but Tai Chi.
It was a nice balance between the familiar—we started the day with joint loosening exercises, active and static stretches—and the unfamiliar—Sitting Buddha, anyone? I never felt lost during the workshop and the areas that were challenging for me like Tui Shou—because one has not experienced Push Hands until you’ve had a Shaolin practitioner as your partner—pointed me towards areas of future growth in my Tai Chi.
At the end of the day after spending time walking, holding postures, meditating, practicing the form and a little martial applications, I came away exhausted but, once again, eager about my Tai Chi’s potential.
So, if you ever find yourself a little less than inspired by your training, and those moments will come and go throughout your years of training, I highly recommend attending a workshop. If you open yourself up to simply enjoying the experience, you’ll be amazed by what’s in store for your Tai Chi!
Besides, there is this fantastic little wine shop near the school [The Peaceful Dragon] that has the best cheese plate! What a great way to relax after an inspiring day!
Reprinted from the 2012 Spring & Summer issue of “From the Center”