Poor picture, sorry, but it’s the best one I have so far of the Fairbanks branch of the Taoist Tai Chi Society. I’ll make the photo too small to show how fuzzy it is.

Since I came home, one of my top priorities has been tai chi. In Colorado, I had to drive over an hour to get to class in Denver, which is pretty hair-raising for this small-town woman. So I only went once a week, midday, weather permitting. Now in Fairbanks I can drive to class easily. It is only 20 minutes away, and winter seems to be over already. Certainly, I don’t have to worry here about driving in the dark (until August).

My Fairbanks tai chi buddies are still in my comfort zone, bridging my old life in Fairbanks, through my revised focus in Colorado, into my new life in Fairbanks. I have been going to all the classes I can for the past two weeks, reconnecting with classmates and instructors and happily meeting many new people. I’m trying to see any new nuances to moves I haven’t seen yet and picking up any small changes in timing. (We all do the same set, all over the world!  However, it changes a bit as Master Moy’s friend Tony decides we’re ready to upgrade a few moves, and different instructors focus on different upgrades (my terminology).)

Last Monday I finally got to go to Mark’s class for the first time this year. Mark started this branch of the Taoist Tai Chi Society when he moved here…well, long ago. Now he only teaches one class each week, AND this is the only class my husband can attend. I really look forward to it. I figure Mark set the friendly tone for this branch long ago and is a big part of why I like these people so much. (Taoist Tai Chi Society is always firm about NON-judgmentalism of students’ efforts, which also nurtures kindness.) Mark is a terrific teacher and even took classes directly from Master Moy Lin-Shin, our now-deceased founder (and choreographer, who tweaked the Yang long form to maximize focus on health).

Well, a week ago I must have been tired or hungry because suddenly I had a little hissy fit about not getting to do a second set. I had had enough of toryus and danyus in every class for the past week—is this all we ever do anymore? Oh my—VERY bad form! I was quite embarrassed. I thought I was over limiting my expectations and getting better at enjoying whatever we were working on. After all, it IS all good! I even enjoy toryus and danyus these days.

Despite all that last week, after class tonight Mark came and asked whether I am interested in becoming an instructor! WOO HOO!!! I warned Mark that I lose my place when I try to watch other students and don’t know what to watch for, much less how to respond appropriately. He’s sure I’ll pick that up quickly. He warned me that I would HAVE TO go to some instructor trainings at larger centers.  I started laughing at that—twist my arm, I LOVE to travel! And with my recent inheritance I can even afford a trip or two. He said the society would help finance the trainings (double woo hoo). I think I floated down the stairs on the way out!  (I also need the blessing of an outside instructor; Allen will be here giving a series of intensive sessions in two weeks.)

Later my husband told me that Mark had also asked him before class whether David would like to be an instructor. David replied that his schedule still did not allow that, but he thought I would be interested. Probably Mark had heard it also from at least one other of the daytime instructors, Mary & Dave, Rob, and Robin. I have mentioned to them all that I hoped to take up instructing beginners in the fall. I have been a back-up demonstrator for Dave for a few years, so have some indirect experience.

I am proud of myself for pushing past my comfort zone in stretching to instruct and in saying what I want in public. This being braver is both scary and exhilarating!