Each time I practice I remember two promises that were made thirty years ago. The promise taiji made to me, through my teacher, and the promise I made to taiji. Both promises are pure heart – not of the mind at all. Taiji said: "Devote yourself to me and I'll give you something you'll get no other way." My promise was simply one word: "Yes." Hence, the practice I do, this renewal of faith, is my humble version of the Eternal Return: a return to the innocence and purity of that sacramental event – my first meeting with taiji – my first lesson.