White Horse Tai Chi wishes you a Merry Christmas

What a strange year it has been for us all. I wonder if anybody could have guessed twelve months ago, what kind of year we've had? If there was a word to describe it, I'd say it has been surreal. I don't think that anybody has ever lived in a time like this. The world has pretty been turned upside down by the coronavirus and yet there is no end in sight.

Since March we've experienced nationwide lockdowns and we've had to do things differently. Plans made, have had to be changed. But whilst it has difficult, it is also a time to reflect. A time to do things differently. We've all had lost people and having to deal with difficult changes. But managing changes is an opportunity to act positively. I'd say, make the most of your time and do something you've never done before or never had time. The world has always been in a state of constant change and Daoism teaches us to embrace changes. Going with the flow, is wu-wei.

Personally, I have taken the opportunity to do things differently. Whilst I am accept that I can no longer pursue the plans I had made. I've decided to challenge myself for the better. This year has been the first year where I have not been trying to complete something, get a grading or involved with competitions. Oddly, I have not trained less, but rather I've been doing more of things I haven't had time to do in the past. Last September, I realised something I missed and something that I missed in my life. The fire I had in my 20's, I want it back and I want to pursue my goals. Fortune favours the brave. Luck comes to those that have inner-virtues*.

Tai Chi in the Park summer classes ended in September and a donation has been made to the Friends of Dunorlan Park seed bank. This was what my late teacher used to do and I will continue this tradition of giving back. Tai Chi in the Park classes will continue rain or shine. The picture of the horse on the top of the page was a gift from one of my students. I am both honoured and humbled by such a kind gesture. I've been teacher for about 5 years, yet I often ask myself if I'm going in the right direction? I now know that I am, but I know there's always room for improvement. I am grateful for the support of my students and friends who have stood by me over the years. I will continue to do what I am doing.

Whatever happens, we must embrace changes. Despite all that has gone on, at least 2020 is the year the planet gets a break from mass pollution. We should do more to help those in needs and we should help each other. Myself, like a lot of people find Christmas has become too commercialised and less about being with the people you care about. I hope Christmas 2020 will bring people together. Help others where you can. You can't everybody, but if you try help where you can. That would already make a difference. Big donations mean nothing if your heart isn't in it. A small genuine act of kindness is all it needs to be. What 2021 brings, I don't know, but on behalf of White Horse Tai Chi, I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a happy New Year.

Thank you for reading my blog.

* Inner virtues is in Daoist and Buddhist terminology, means positive karma gained from good deeds.

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