Observations from China

Some local delicacies

Be it a holiday or just an evening to share with family (usually three or four generations’ worth) or friends, the topics of discussion never addressed complaints about one's living conditions or daily difficulties. It is not that they are complacent or lack ambition. Conversations were often filled with passion, emotion and controversy, but no self-pity. Even arguing and confrontation here seems to lack stress, anxiety and a prolonged negative effect on one's attitude. No place is perfect and China is certainly no exception. That's ok with me because I am not looking for perfection, just peace and contentment. I have learned that with the right perspective I can find exactly what I am looking for, anywhere and anytime.

I will try to benefit from this philosophy and apply it to my own life. So in the long run, I have learned an important lesson that I will cherish, hold and continue to expand on.

As for me, I now prefer the simpler lifestyle I came to know and love China. I began to enjoy such basic responsibilities like riding my three kids to school on my bike. (Two separate trips for three children- two kids and an adult on a bike is a common sight and four or five on an electric bike doesn't even turn heads.) Early training (5:30am) in the park, even when winter served up some of the coldest days I have ever witnessed, was one of my favorite parts of the day. Stopping at a few street vendor/restaurants on my way back home and picking up hot breakfast for my family of five for about the equivalent of $1.75, which never ceased to amaze me, but always put a smile on my face, followed by a sensation of fullness in my stomach. Hard-boiled eggs cooked in a flavorful broth, rice with beans and fruit congee and of course steamed Baozi (steamed bread stuffed with anything you like), which also served as an efficient hand warmer topped off with traditional fresh bakery items. I would have more than enough for everyone and leftovers for an in-between mealtime snack. With each task that required an enjoyable effort, I was also rewarded with a greater satisfaction in a way that I had never previously experienced. With the exception of being absent from my parents, eldest daughter, other family members and friends, any originally believed to be concessions of my American life became integral lessons in personal growth. Example: I am an avid driver (cars, motorcycles and trucks) and have driven throughout 46 of the contiguous states and loved every mile of it, but no longer missed driving my own vehicle. The bicycle was a sweet replacement that not only transported me from place to place, but provided a closer look at the beautiful scenery on the way (certainly missed by any motorized transportation) and a stronger, healthier body with less of a dirty footprint on our struggling environment. Also the travel itself was always as gratifying as the arrival. That is just a small sample of my personal but beautiful experience living in China.

Regarding Taiji principles: The lifestyle and philosophy discussed above lead to a balanced life full of contentment, but not blinded by any harsh realities.

I personally have begun to take a slower approach to my practice and my life. Less driving and more biking. Still training hard 2-3 hours a day, but without the great demands I previously put on myself. (Also noticeably less injuries leading to more consistency in my training) It’s another example of the aforementioned. It is no longer important for me to study more and more new forms, but instead to understand fewer more deeply and clearly. I don’t focus on quantity. I just enjoy the training and that has led me to better see and understand Taiji and the rest of my life from a new perspective. Taiji without the pressures and the goals is now giving me even more benefits than before. So without goals, goals are also achieved in a very natural way.

That is my interpretation on some fundamental Taiji principles and how they can impact our lives both short and long term in a most positive way. Please send me your thoughts on this article.

About the author: A practicing martial artist for over 40 years and researcher of philosophy and health from around the world, old and new.

Email: taijicenter@aol.com

Web Site: taijicenter.com

About the author: A practicing martial artist for over 40 years and researcher of philosophy and health from around the world, old and new.