I heard those muffled words coming through the door of the cabin...Another soft, respectful knock, and once more, "G-dog to the tai chi deck," just a little louder this time.
Reluctantly I moved to the door, and the unavoidable fate that awaited me on the tai chi deck otherwise known as the top deck of the Chinese junk I was on. I had to go...After all who was I to deny the other early-risers the splendour of my movement...Of meditation in motion...So I moved to the upper deck.
Moved like a stalking tiger is probably a better way to describe my journey to the top deck...My mastery of tai chi had brought with it the ability to move cat-like, stealthy and strong, yet with the fluid-grace most would envy, desire, yet never attain.
Shortly after my arrival the session began...and I tai chi'd like a god...each move precise, fluid...It was like I was moving without moving...Still, like water in a glass, yet powerful like the tiger poised to leap upon its prey. It was...And I say this with all humility, simply magnificent to behold.
Meditation in motion.
My moves left the others in awe...My Wave Hands Like Clouds morphed seamlessly into White Stork Spreads Wings then seemingly without motion I'd be in the Step Up to Grasp Bird's Tail pose after which I'd create the White Snake Turns and Puts Out Tongue pose...It was a glorious display the others could only dream of emulating. Those poor cretins.
After some Turn Around to Sweep Lotus, a little bit of Draw Bow to Shoot Tiger and Golden Cock Stands on One Leg I ended the session fully relaxed, yet energised. As I departed the deck the others flopped to the ground with wails of despair and inadequacy although I barely noticed from my deeply meditative state of well-being.
And...if you believe any of that you're more gullible than I thought!
Oh make no mistake, I did do tai chi, no one can take that away from me although...I was, well...I was monumentally bad at it!
I think I looked more like the muddled bundle of gnawed bones and masticated flesh the tiger left after killing a gazelle and consuming it, than the actual tiger in stalk-mode. In my heart of hearts I really wanted to be good at it but...In reality I was a tai chi disaster unfolding on the top deck of a Chinese junk floating in the sea.
Faith and I were on holiday in Vietnam and had arranged a few days cruising on Ha Long Bay in a Chinese junk...A ship. It was a pretty special one, with only a maximum of 40 passengers on board. We only had 24 on there though, so it was really nice.
It was top-notch from a comfort, food and service perspective and we had an amazing time exploring the area, kayaking limestone caves, visiting floating villages (below), immense limestone caves, swimming in the ocean, massages, reading on deck and...tai chi.
Faith insisted we join the tai chi master on the top deck each morning at 6am and so, not one to want to get into trouble with her, I did so...Knowing I was going to be terrible at it. So, off we'd go each morning and I'd embarrass myself.
Faith wasn't much help...She's a yoga goddess and can bend around into all sorts of pretzelly shapes...Me...Not so much. I creaked and groaned my way through the moves feeling like a rusty old farm implement the whole time...Not made any better by the fact Faith made us stand in the front row. I'm sure the young girl leading the group thought I was some sort of mentally retarded baboon or something...Grunting and sweating my way through the session whilst those around me moved gracefully and with purpose...In medatative silence
You know what though? At the end I felt better. Weird huh?
We'd head back to our room, grab showers and hit the dining room for breakfast at 7:30 and I felt loose but energised and very clear-headed. What was this strange feeling.
Our cruise on Ha Long bay was amazing; I mean such a special time. It's difficult to explain I guess, but we came away feeling different. Better.
We met another couple on the cruise, older than us, and really hit it off. We have kept in contact and only a couple years ago went to Cornwall, UK to stay with them for a time. They're coming here to Australia next year to see us...Cool huh? They helped to make our Ha Long bay experience a little bit better than the amazing thing it already was, and they've been great friends since.
Looking back now, remembering those mornings on the top deck groaning my way through tai chi moves, makes me smile. Faith in yoga pants and top...Ha Long Bay slowly drifting by and that cool salty air...A perfect way to start a morning...Who said a little embarrassment isn't good for the soul.
Design and create your ideal life, don't live it by default - Tomorrow isn't promised.
Be well
Discord: galenkp#9209
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