While looking for inspiration and a topic to write about today, I came across this golden oldie from the Today’s Step vault.

If at your first qigong class the instructor said to you, “With regular practice of this art, you may experience some serious side effects, including a good night sleep, better digestion, lower blood pressure, and stress reduction. You may even experience a powerful self healing, you could meet wonderful friends, and enjoy the harmony of your body, mind and spirit”.
Would you try it?

Even though, I don’t teach much these days, I do have a wealth of experience, as well as, the hubris and habit of telling others what they “should or could” do to make life better.

I also know the answer to the above question is quite often, No!

Practice is a bitch, and change is hard. Especially if it’s not my idea.

I used to think showing up was the important part. But, now I’m not so sure.

I don’t think I’m that different from any one else but, having someone else tell me what to do is the worst. Especially, if it is “Good for you.”

The battle cry of, “Don’t tell me what to do, and you’re not the boss of me,” is rarely heard from adults, but often seen.

If I don’t want to do something, I will nod and smile, then silently turn away and not show up.

I might make a half-hearted attempt when someone I love points out — how good X,Y, or Z will be for me. And, believe me, I know, I really know, that with lessons, and practice, the world opens up.

Yet, even when you show me all the benefits, even if you make a good case for what I should do, — Even then, I might still say no.

Maybe it’s my age and experience, maybe I’m stubborn or silly, but more and more, I notice the real pay off and reason to practice anything, comes, when it’s our own idea.