I started doing tai chi in November 2024. The first thing I was told was that I needed to take things slow. Tai chi was not about being quicker or faster than everyone else. It was about taking things slow, measured, and controlled. You must have body-mind alignment and intention when you move. All parts of the body must move in unison, and the movement must have the same controlled rhythm and flow from beginning to completion. After a year and a half, I’m still the first student to finish when performing our drills and forms. However, I have slowed down significantly compared to where I started.
This Friday, it dawned on me that I need to apply that philosophy to other things in my life. On Friday, I went to a new nail salon. The first thing I noticed about it is that the music wasn’t the latest Top 40 radio station. It was relaxing and meditative, like you would hear getting acupuncture treatment. No TVs were blaring about the latest world tragedies. There was a relaxing wall water fountain. It was a gorgeous business and very relaxing and calm (a dude was asleep in the pedicare chair for over an hour!).
At my old salon, I could get my nails and feet done in an hour. However, my technician at this salon took her time. It was not that she was bad at her job or didn’t know what she was doing. My nails look beautiful, and she did an excellent job. The vibe here wasn’t to get as many clients as they could before they close. The vibe here was let us pamper the hell out of you. Relax and let us spoil you. I had not realized that even when it came to things I considered self-care, I rushed through them like I tended to rush through everything. I stopped glancing at my watch and savored the experience of being pampered.
I realized that when I allowed myself to relax and savor an experience, I was more present when experiencing the moment. Something I say I want to do more – be present. When you’re present, you ask more questions, and you learn more because you are really listening to other people, yourself, and your body. You open yourself up to different people and the world in general. I still like getting to places early because I don’t like people waiting for me. However, once I’m there, I have decided not to rush the experience – to savor the company and the experience.
You will not have this exact same experience again. Every time will be a little different. It is important to be present and note the differences. Not only to be observant but to learn what worked in the situation and what didn’t, and how you can either change or improve it the next time it comes up. There is value in taking things slow. My goal now is not to just show up in my life more but to be fully present and enjoy life in general. Time is short. Enjoy life while you can, because as they say – tomorrow is not promised.
Until next time!
R.R. Peace, Author and Poet 