How dense can you be!!??

by Karen
(Japan)

Whilst reading the Golden Lion tai chi website I noticed a book on the list of recommended books and DVDs etc. I thought this book looked familiar so I went upstairs to check on my tai chi books that we bought through Amazon Books a few years ago. Guess what I had in the bookcase?

So I started to read it - I think I glanced at it when I bought it but like most things was too busy to read it properly at the time.

I didn't even notice the author before I started and it was only when I turned the page and saw your photo on page 75 that I realized this book was a Golden Lion Academy book written by Dai Sifu Pier Tsui-Po. How thick can you be!!!!!! I read it cover to cover and loved it!

I am now re-reading it slowly and trying to understand it all, but what I do understand is really inspiring.

A week ago we had our Prefectural (State) tai chi festival. Usually it is a team competition but this year they changed it to a festival and an individual competition.

I don't do well in individual comps but as I stood there waiting this year with my stomach churning and heart racing, I remembered things I had read in the book. I also remembered things that the teachers have said in our classes about - if you think negative thoughts your body will react to that.

So I tried to think only positive thoughts and regulate my breathing. And it worked! Not that I wasn't nervous or my hands and knees didn't shake when I was competing, but usually I am such a wreck before I even get on the floor, I am hopeless.

This year I actually enjoyed (well maybe not totally) doing it but I felt so much better about my performance. Makes you want to keep practicing and improving. So thank you so much, you have helped me even over here in Japan.