We were playing a game at class the other night and it was a game where it could be looked at as, one player would be the winner and the other the loser. Sometimes it is interesting to watch, that as one player gains some “success” that they gravitate towards using that single technique which has won them that “success”. This practice leads to the player becoming a “one trick pony”.

There is a teaching in tai chi that speaks to the opposite of the above.

It is - “Invest in loss”.

These three words can be considered in innumerable ways, and they should be, but here’s one way to look at them.

When playing tai chi (or anything else for that matter) and you “lose”, consider what just happened.

Did you “lose” because of:

A better technique?

Were you neutralized, and if yes, how?

Did you make a mistake?

Did you deviate from the fundamentals?

What was happening psychologically?

What state of awareness were you in?

How did the “loss” effect you?

Etc. etc…..

Or, did you consciously attempt a specific technique, for a specific reason and if so, what can you gain from that experience? This mind frame is the healthiest and most productive. I’m always on the lookout for the student that can drop the ego and truly “play” tai chi as this is the student with the most potential.

By analyzing the experience one can then make a second attempt from a more educated perspective. You now have more experience to build on and thus have taken at least one small step towards self mastery.

From an early age I taught my kids the three “L’s”

Learn from the past

Live in the present (it’s the present because “now” is a gift)

Look to the future

By investing in “loss”, you’ll become not just a better tai chi player, but more importantly a human being.

Peace

Rod