Mostly curiosity, though some concern meandered through my consciousness regarding YMAA’s current changes. I have fully supported Dr. Yang’s move to the hills, even to the point of leading a construction crew in framing his round home.
I have always had a righteous, just, and benevolent relationship with my Master. Certainly after almost 20 years with The Man, I have had enough guidance to last me for many lifetimes. Yet, there were so many questions by so many students. I had no answers. I would only state that it has been a great run for me, much better than I could have ever imagined. Hence, my intention was to finish this phase strongly, center myself and enjoy the transition.
Since Dr. Yang announced his move, I have enjoyed the peak experiences that often involved role reversals while building his “homedome.” I appreciated our growing teaching kinship, especially through the workshops and specialty classes. I also loved our truly warm-hearted punctuation of our relationship.
After suffering through my personal hell the last few years, and relying primarily on my martial arts community and my practice, I am now inspired to trek onward with a newly evolving matrix. I now feel enabled and capable of assuming Taiji testing responsibilities. I am more connected to the circle of teachers and lifelong martial artists at headquarters and internationally. I am ready to open my wings at my school as well as to venture beyond my locale.
As I have told many, I feel like the luckiest martial artist who ever lived. Yesterday, spontaneously, I finally told that to my teacher. He gratefully absorbed it and from deep within his own heart he replied,”I feel like the luckiest teacher too.”
So, warm wishes to Dr. Yang, Tony Chee, et al. I am curious and excited about what this year of the new matrix will bring. I hope to see you at the 2009 winter workshops.
Note: thanks to Tony for providing me my only picture of Dr. Yang and myself yesterday.