I have always encouraged RMTC students to be adventurous and to try new things, and below is a sample of experiences when trying something new.
I have been adventurous during the last year by enrolling in Reformer Pilates classes. I know what you may be thinking: ‘That’s not a challenge!’ or 'That’s easy!’ - but not for me. My first class was a confusing experience - the instructor, although very good, spoke quietly and very quickly. Her instructions regarding changing to the correct colour of springs were baffling and the music was too loud. Did she say ‘yellow AND blue’ or yellow OR blue?’ I didn’t know how to get my legs into the ‘ring’ and I couldn’t get my feet into the straps - were they the long or short straps? I didn’t know what the ‘platform’ was and what the ‘carriage’ was. By the way, the carriage moves but the platform doesn’t. I learnt that the hard way! After a few classes, the instructor (who always keeps on eye on everyone), came over to help and she said, ‘You tend to complicate things, don’t you!’ We laughed. I’ve learned not to take myself too seriously.
Another challenge is learning the Fu Chen with Master Su’s Intermediate group on Fridays and I love being a student! I’ve learned to enjoy not knowing something, as that is an opportunity to learn. I enjoy going from total bewilderment to somewhat capable. I’ve learned it’s ok not to know!
So, when someone says to me, ‘I find Tai Chi hard’, I understand. There are new concepts, new terminology, new ways to move. But, just like my Reformer Pilates experience and the Fu Chen, it will become easier and you’ll have a sense of achievement and accomplishment if you stick with it. I’m still at a Beginner level in Pilates but I do challenge myself at times by using the red spring instead of the blue (or is that the blue instead of the red?)
Being adventurous doesn’t mean jumping out of a plane or trying your hand at kite surfing. It means doing something different for you, to challenge yourself and perhaps try something you’ve always wanted to do.
