The ever-receding horizon of perfect knowledge

Thanks to Guy Watson of Riverford Farms for the catchy title and the eloquent words in his blog (20th May found here). He was actually talking about growing cabbages but the same idea applies to learning qi gong and meditation. You have to let go not only of getting somewhere but also the idea that you know anything. In Zen they call it cultivating beginners mind. I was taught in meditation that I should be like a child in kindergarten- ie approach what I was learning with freshness and enthusiasm. In learning qi gong and tai chi there have been innumerable occasions when I have thought I was doing something correctly or as well as it could be done, only to discover there was a new depth to a move that I had never been aware of. In meditation you can 'get rid of' an unneeded habit to discover it is still with you, just at a deeper level- aargh!! Give up on attaining perfection but keep aiming for it is a good motto and it makes learning a lot more fun. When I teach, helping people have some amusement when they come to such a point is the essence of what learning chi gung and meditation are about- I take it seriously but have fun doing it. Both these practices have made a big difference in enriching the quality of my own life and I enjoy conveying that to others as best I can. If there is a spark of interest in you come along and try one or both to see if they make a difference to you. Small steps sustained over time create surprising progress! Classes on Tuesday evenings are carrying on as usual but this morning class is starting this Monday- a great way to start the week. It is suitable for all ages and all levels of fitness.