taichiguitar

Today at the Tai Chi club we had, as is often the case, two new members – complete beginners. Unusually our teacher decided to teach a completely new form to the whole class. (He had recently been training with a celebrated Argentinian master). Suddenly the whole class were wobbly and awkward. The two newcomers looked more relaxed and comfortable than those with years of experience!

Learning is a journey – it is not a competition. Learning is about you – not others. Maybe they appear confident and more able. Perhaps they have had more experience – perhaps they just learn at different speeds. Keep going! The view from the top of the mountain is the same – however long it took to get there. I am a slow learner – and I have learned slowly from experience that it is a great way to learn. I tell everyone who is learning with me that learning slowly is the quickest way to learn. Fast learning can look impressive – but is often superficial and soon forgotten. I remember after learning for years to play the guitar, I read an interview with Marc Bolan (remember him? T Rex? 1970’s). Anyway, he was asked how long it had taken him to play guitar. In a smug reply (I thought) he said, ‘Three weeks!’ This bothered me for a while – how could that be possible? But then I thought about what he actually performed.  Songs with three chords bashed out with basic strumming! Yes – it had taken him three weeks – and it sounded like it!

Good to meet new groups today. I will make a post each day, and as a starter I will remind everyone that the real learning will take place in the space between lessons. Slow and repeated practice will be rewarded by real progress. Have fun!

A day of being in the moment – reading and playing guitar. And twenty four steps and sixteen fan. Mellow.

Today I will play my ukulele in the park to please and entertain!

Beautiful sunny morning, blue sky and twenty four steps. Delightful way to start the day.

Breathing, listening, feeling……..then moving. Gentle and in the moment. Balance and harmony.