Correction

In our line of work (and I suspect on the deepest level in any line of work) progress is not really measured by how good you are at the Form or the pushing-hands (it’s possible to fake both), but how much your heart is opening up and extending into the world. The student must constantly remind themselves of this, especially if they don’t have the luxury of frequent contact with their teacher. Contact with your teacher provides what we call correction – their strength and softening presence corrects and realigns your energy, your posture and your attitude (these are connected). The teacher represents correct motivation, discipline, dedication, commitment and sacrifice – or as John would say, faith, sincerity and courage. Without them you need moments of empty time – away from any stress other than your own company – when you relax into your life and energy and deeply feel its context and meaning within the body of the teaching. These moments are times of reconnexion to the soul and spirit of the teaching and to the thrust of your heart. It’s during these times of quiet and peace of mind that your energy is allowed to relax into the connexions you have with your loved ones, your comrades, your teachers and those experiences you’ve had, and will have, that resonate. It’s when you connect to these that the meaning and necessity of the work becomes clear and you’re able to proceed with more strength and conviction. The fruits of your work nourish your connexions, and the enheartening of connectedness provides the vital correction you need. Which ever way you look at it, it’s a life of service.