We are currently in the Chinese Year of the Water Snake. I'm not a real fan of snakes, but as I explored the symbolism, I found things I loved and decided to embrace this year, the snake, and all it would bring into my life. I thought I was ready for this. I feel like I've handled the change well, but I never expected the growth and transformation to come in the ways that it has.
With the exception of a short, vague post in mid-April, I haven't had the time, energy, and focus to blog. Here's a quick review (not necessarily in chronological order) of all that has happened in my life so far during the year of the Water Snake, (in addition to the regular stuff like voice lessons and tai chi classes).
- Russ Smiley died. He was my tai chi teacher's mentor and a leader in the tai chi community. I had my TCA training with him and was hoping to study more with him in the future.
- My cousin was assaulted. He survived, but is now dealing with the effects of a Traumatic Brain Injury. His recovery will be a very long process.
- Glenda Maurice, my voice teacher and mentor, died.
- Barbara Kierig died. We were not particularly close, but she was a part of the voice community and will be missed.
- My massage therapist, who has been the most important member of my health care team, found out that she can no longer use the space she has been using. I still don't know if she has found any other options, or if she will be retiring.
- I spent two and a half amazing days studying Soaring Crane Qi Gong with Ralph Dehner. The insights and nuggets of wisdom I picked up during the breaks and discussion time were as transforming for me as the actual work we did.
- I adjudicated at two different Solo and Ensemble Contests and was able to share some of the newest things that I am incorporating in my own teaching.
- I took my TCA 2 certification class and was able to work with Ileana Ferrier and Linda Arksey. I hope to have opportunities to study with both of them in the future.
- Because of changes in my teacher's schedule, I will be doing more substituting for tai chi classes starting in the fall, and I'll be a teaching assistant for all the classes as well.
- We celebrated another World Tai Chi and Qigong Day. Each year when I participate, I am reminded of how much I love this tai chi community. They are my people. I have found my home.
- My writing is calling to me again. And it can't wait until NaNoWriMo. So much of this story parallels my own journey. I couldn't revise it 10 years ago because I didn't know the things I needed to know to complete the story. Each year I learn more and the pieces fall into place. There are stories begging to be written, and the old stories are asking for revision and editing and maybe even sharing them with the world. I'm currently re-reading the 10 related novels and short stories and the real work will begin shortly.
- I'm presenting 2 different sessions at the MMTA Convention in June. The first one is technology. (Don't laugh.) Actually, I'm leading a discussion about Music Teacher's Helper. And I asked that it be very clear about that in the description. I'm not spouting knowledge. I'm facilitating sharing. The second sessions is about using tai chi and qigong in the voice studio and I'm super excited about that one. My study of tai chi and qigong has changed the way I teach and work with my voice students.
All this since February. What more will be revealed this year? I don't really know, but for once, I feel confident that I am growing and transforming in just that ways that I need to and that I can handle whatever happens.
