ZenView
By Mary Layton
Making Decisions
Making a decision isn’t always easy, especially when there are as many good reasons to do something as there are reasons not do it. My family and friends know that decision making isn’t my favorite thing. Mostly because I tend to consider all sides of a decision. So it gets complicated.
When I was younger I’d beat myself up for not knowing how to decide. Today I am kinder and more patient with myself. Practicing T’ai Chi on a regular basis has given me the awareness and serenity to recognize that often more time is needed to arrive at the right conclusion. The art of T’ai Chi demands patience of both teachers and students. This is true for learning any art, music, drawing, sewing and cooking, etc. Sometimes it is better not to interfere, until the right course of action presents itself. The Chinese have a saying : “Haste makes waste.” It would be better for our health in the long run to eliminate hurry from our lives. Can we invent a machine to slow things down? I am not sure about that.
But it is possible to make a decision to discipline our mind, the ultimate computer. There are many meditative exercises that can help to calm us and give us a new energy. T’ai Chi, the ancient Chinese exercise for mind and body, is a moving meditation. Or, as the Harvard Medical Guide calls it, a moving medication. This Christmas, as a gift to yourself or your loved ones and as part of your New Year resolution, try such a class.
For more info go to taichi4modesto.com or call (209) 572-4518.
