Learning from the Elders

Everyone in my Taichi group is older than I am. Mr. Lai, age 72, helps me a lot. This morning I asked him to show me a set a moves, and then I questioned him about one of the moves "are you sure?" He growled at me to shut up and just follow him. It was great. The Bible tells the older men to be examples for the younger men; older women are supposed to instruct younger women about how to love their husbands and take care of their families, but no one ever does it. The young usually bristle when their parents try to tell them how to do something. It is seen as meddling, unless asked for. In Taichi I am in the position of "asking". I have positioned myself as a learner. Our sifu is 64, Mr. Lai and a number of the others are in their 70's, some in their 60's. There is probably only one other person around my age (53).

It seems to me that the older men pay more attention to their "form" when they know a younger man is watching them carefully. Doing this "right" and doing the "right things" isn't just for them, it is for me. This father - son, sifu - disciple relationship benefits them too.

If I were to be able to do life over again, I would have found an older man 20 years ago and learned from him. One of our pastors called me last night to talk about a situation in his church. He didn't want me to do anything, just listen. I don't know if I helped him, but it was a joy to talk to him. I hope I was encouraging and was able to give some perspective. It's never too late, find an older person and learn!