Repetition is the mother of insight

"Repetition is the mother of insight."
-Scott Blossom in "The Spirit of a Daily Practice"

"Great understanding is broad and unhurried, little
understanding is cramped and busy."
-Chuang Tzu, Basic Writings

"Less talk and more drill."
-Master Zi

This month's tai chi tip is not about a specific movement but rather a concept familiar to us all. What is the difference between a master and his/her student? Time, cultivation, endurance, insight. How do these attributes arise? Patience, repetition and persistence. Uh oh, did I say repetition? Yes... repetition IS the mother of insight.

Think of your most challenging tai chi move, the one you just don't get and hate to drill. Maybe it hurts your body or makes you nervous. You might lose your balance or not really know what to do with your arms. Maybe you will ask about it in class, or watch others in hopes of finding an answer. All of these things happen in the process of learning how to relax into the tai chi, the grand ultimate.

Here is what I learned from my teachers; Start with one move (if you are ready, pick the one that really challenges you) and drill it 100 times a day for 30 days. If you still have questions you can either a) ask your teacher or b) drill it 200 times a day for 30 more days. If the move is hurting your body and you can't figure out why, I suggest asking your teacher. If your body is okay and you truly want to develop a deep understanding of tai chi; continue your drill, be unhurried, save your questions and always remember, repetition is the mother of insight. You will see!