Students often comment that they lack the willpower to train hard. This
is a misconception.
(i) Work
You go to work in order to earn money. If you could earn money without going to
work, you would.
So, the act of going to work (for many people) is reluctant.
This requires willpower.
You recognise that work pays for your food, shelter, belongings and quality of
life.
Therefore you have self-discipline: you acknowledge the purpose of going to work
and you go.
Tai chi training is not like this.
(ii) Enjoyment
If you enjoy doing something, and have a genuine enthusiasm for it, you do not
need to be persuaded.
You do not need self-discipline.
Does a thirsty man need to be persuaded to drink water?
(iii) Your idea of what training constitutes
If you see tai chi training as being akin to the gym, you are still a novice.
There is no strain, no forcing involved in tai chi.
The exercises are not strenuous or painful.
Weight training, cycling, swimming or any other sport
- they drain your energy.
(iv) Internal training
Qigong, tai chi and baguazhang are not easy, but instead of tiring you out, they
have the opposite effect.
Your body feels nimble, agile, relaxed and comfortable.
Your skeleton is not distorted by body building and your system is not addicted
to endorphins.
The exercises sharpen the mind, increase acuity and calmness. The nerves are
smooth and the emotions settled.
