Take what you learn in here and apply it out there...
26/01/2012 20:23
Take what you learn in here and apply it out there...
I have heard Rod say this to our class half a dozen times over the past year. I thought to myself... If I'm ever going to use Tai Chi it would most likely be in a martial way. I know that this was not what Rod was talking about. Still, like many of his teachings I thought...
The other day at work, our new boss came and kind of upset the apple cart. Changes were implemented, fairly or unfairly, and the boys were not a bit happy about it. They looked to me for a response. Usually, I would have laid into it, showing my severe displeasure. However, this time I startled myself and co-workers by remaining calm and reflective. Later that day I thought to myself... maybe our teacher was right.
A few days later... I'm second in line at the express check out with a few items on the belt. The cashier was helping an elderly man with a small problem. I waited patiently as she called over the intercom for John to come and help this man. Minutes later, she again called for Mike to come to help this man. Meanwhile the line behind me was growing longer and all the other lines were growing smaller. This did not seem to register with/or bother our cashier. After about 5 minutes the elderly man was sent on his way looking for the store manager. The cashier turned to me, smiled and said ...And how are you today? I'm not sure what she was expecting. I only know that in times gone by, I would have been tapping my fingers, pacing sideways, maybe saying rude things about our cashier to the person behind me... Instead... I'm fine thank you. And how are you? She tilted her head at me and said... I'm sorry about the delay but... She continued to explain that her managers should have been more available,... all the while ringing up my products. I told her ... It doesn't matter if we're busy or quiet, it doesn't change the fact that we all live and eventually die... She thought about this for a second with her head tilted again saying... You're right but still...
As I sat in my van I reflected on this. Two examples in the past week where I had acted out of character.... so I thought - maybe our instructor was right... Take what you learn in the studio and apply it out "there"...
Dave
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