Tai Chi

This morning I was excited and I didn't want to be late. As I drove myself out to a country church, I imagined what it was going to be like. I arrived a little early and there was only one other person there. As I approached a woman sweeping a concrete area, I asked, "are you the Tai Chi instructor?" She was a short, mature, Japanese woman with a soft smile, and assured reply. "Yes, I am". I had been invited by a friend to join her and others that congregated every Tuesday morning for their Tai Chi class. Here I was (as short as I am) towering over this little woman, and even though it crossed my mind to feel out of place, I quickly grabbed that thought and hurled it out of sight. I was soon joined by another Japanese woman, and another, and yet another. I began to think, "have I come to the wrong class", as my friend had not showed. Then several other Japanese women arrived...one little Japanese man... I introduced myself and felt quite at ease even though my friend had not yet arrived. The instructor was firm, in that Tai Chi movements are not easily learned and that I might just like to watch since the class was advanced. But, I had come to try at least. Finally, my friend had arrived, and the instructor directed us in a circle on the concrete where she had swept. It was quiet except for the wind shushing through the leaves of the trees and the occasional bird chirp or call. Then we began the soft martial art primarily practiced for it's health benefits including a means for dealing with tension and stress. Though it is soft, slow and flowing, the movements are executed precisely! I soon found how precise when my little neighbor lady next to me told me gently with a soft quiet voice, "move over and watch her feet!" Meaning the instructor's feet. I soon began to feel the flow and the relaxation of the movements. I almost wanted to sleep! Yea! Really! Had I known all the movements and not have to watch the instructor, I would have had my eyes closed. My friend told me that she prays during her Tai Chi exercises. I hope to master it someday and do the same. I was, however, encouraged by the rest of the class as they assured me that I had done a great job my first day and was invited back.

In 1904 "Yamato Colony" near Livingston, CA (not far from where I live and where the church was) was an effort to establish a Japanese community of farmers. Sadly, during World War II, the farmers had to hire a manager to continue production of the farms during their incarceration into concentration camps. Today many of the farms have been turned over to the next generation. These are the women I hope to know and call my Tai Chi friends.