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| Wanda, front and center. with Annie, and Renee. |
Ancora Imparo (I am still learning)
It is sometimes hard to believe that it’s
been 26 years since I first began learning Master T.T. Liang’s Tai Chi Ch’uan
Long Form. From that very first lesson,
I was hooked. While many other activities had been big parts of my life, the
one that I have stuck with is Tai Chi.
Or maybe it has stuck with me.
Tai Chi Ch’uan became my favorite
activity. I have taught myself left side of every solo form; as well as, the
left side of sword, saber and cane. I
have practiced in campgrounds, hotel rooms, waiting areas at Mayo Clinic and
even an emergency room when my husband was taken out for tests.
There were days when tiredness, activities
or life got in the way of my practice. A
dozen years ago, multiple hospitalizations including three joint replacements,
kept me from doing Tai Chi for 11 months.
I had to relearn it all with the help of classes, instructional
materials and a little muscle memory.
In the past few years, physical issues, declining eyesight, isolation and feelings of inadequacy made everything a struggle including my practicing. Then came November 6, 2024. With the an overwhelming feeling of sadness and that so many things were beyond my control, I decided to practice the Long Form both right and left side every day. It was something I could control. As of the date of this writing, I have not missed a day. It’s not always easy to accomplish. Some days I am too busy to do the form, or so tired it’s hard to keep moving, or too emotional or I just don’t feel like doing it. I do the form anyway. This means my form is not always pretty.
Even though I do my very best
to follow the principles of Tai Chi and practice as closely as I can the form
according to Master Ray Hayward’s teaching; sometimes my form looks more like a
fast form. Some days I struggle to balance.
Sometimes my brain is so tired that I start parts over multiple times
before I get through it. And sometimes I
finish a section and wonder if I missed a posture because I don’t remember
doing it. I have learned that things don’t have to be perfect to be
beneficial.
I cannot unequivocally say I will never
again miss a day of practicing the Long
Form. I can only try my best not to skip
a day because the benefits I’ve gained, while seemingly small and incremental, are very evident to me. The
subtle, indescribable feeling I have when I’ve completed both sides has
actually motivated me to spend more time practicing other forms and weapon
forms.
There is a plaque on my wall that says
“Martial Arts: A few years to learn. A lifetime to master!” In the past 26 years, I’ve gained so much in
knowledge, technique, skill and insights into myself. I’m a long way from being
a master, but I am still learning.
~Wanda Koehler
