beholders.org

 

To Train or Not to Train
By Jennifer Cassetta 

 

Edna Cassandra is my 93 year old grandmother who practiced Tai Chi for about 20 years and taught it for more than 5 years. The only reason why she stopped teaching the week before her 90th birthday, was because she had a car accident that prevented her from driving. As a result of this accident her physical health has declined over the past few years and she is now in her final stages, in a wheelchair and needs assistance from her 92 year old husband, Rocco, to do all daily tasks that we take for granted like feeding yourself. 

 

I recently called them to see how they were. After hearing my grandfather tell me how bad her health has gotten and how hard it is for them both I spoke to Edna. "How are you feeling?" I asked. Her response, "I feel great." Surprised at her optimistic reply I say, "Wow, you really never complain, do you?" She says, "I don't really like people that complain all the time. It's so boring. So tell me Jennifer, are you teaching and practicing your belly breathing? I do my breathing exercises every night. Because I have a choice, to breathe or not to."

 

 

 

Martial artists are really in a class of their own and have high standards. Edna is a true martial artist and an example of someone who doesn't make excuses for their state of being, physically, mentally, and emotionally. So the next time you are too tired, busy, lazy, fat, skinny, upset, got a new boy/girlfriend, have a bad breakup, or the weather is too nice or too bad, or you feel like you need to take a break from training, remember that you always have a choice. To train or not to train.  Many wanna-bes and many used-to-bes will pass through good schools. But only those who are truly being a martial artist will stay. In essence, it is those who consistently show up, stay up, and stand up in the face of obstacles that are the people who get things done and are true champions. Martial artists set high standards for themselves and they stand for something. If you don't stand for anything, the smallest of obstacles can and will easily knock you down. What will you stand for in your life?

 

 

Connected to : Tai Chi Chuan and its principles