SC Musings for Nitya Gurukula

Taichi Spirit in Melbourne

March 14, 2025

Dear Readers, Welcome to SC Musings, Blog 32,

The last 3 days in Melbourne, for my final mentorship were intense, packed with experiential learning experiences, culminating with running small groups in Chelsea, supervised by Paul. Yes, I began calling Dr. Lam- Paul, as he requested. This seemingly simple request was extremely difficult for me, rooted in our tradition of addressing our Guru’s with respect. I managed to do so hesitantly and am still not totally comfortable- gradually settling into thinking of my Taichi Guru as Paul.

Stay with Rani was another highlight of this trip. Rani’s home exuded warmth and comfort - her two spoodles (poodle and spaniel cross breeds), kept us engaged with their antics. Even a ‘non-pet’ person like me was drawn to them. Micro and meta logistics were carved out by Rani, and I felt cocooned in her care and functioning.

Figures 32.1.a,b,c. capture Rani’s workspace, and the fun filled outings we managed to squeeze in between our tight routines.

Rani’s mentorship provided me with unique learning and training experiences. I taught Taichi for Arthritis and Fall Prevention Level 1 with her at a Hospital in Melbourne. With 6 participants in different stages of Taichi learning, Rani’s structuring and organising competencies were awesome. Every micro and meta detail from environment to food were attended to with care and consideration. After an initial hesitation of teaching in a totally different context, I got extremely comfortable with the group and the participants.

Figures 32.a.and b. offer a glimpse of the participants of TCHA & FP Workshop.

4 of us Master Trainers, Rani, Anastasia, Wilfred and me were facilitators in 2 of Paul’s workshop on the 1st and 2nd of March in Chelsea. Organised by Anastasia, Workshop 1-Depth of Sun 73 was followed by a Taste of different Taichi styles, the 2nd Workshop. As the newest Master Trainer, I joined the seniors in facilitating a small group of participants, independently. A daunting task initially because some participants knew more nuances of the forms than I did, I eased into it gradually. Paul’s effortless style of guiding and encouraging, made me feel included and part of the Taichi for Health World.

Pictures 32.3.a, b, c and d reflect the spirit of Taichi I absorbed during the 3 days. I will continue with my reflections on the aftermath of my Melbourne sojourn in Blog 33.

Last day in Melbourne with Kalyani, a Resource in Nitya Gurukula, and her son Bharath in their home, was the crowning glory of my Melbourne trip. Their welcome and hospitality was touching, adding an eastern flavour to my journey. And the semi-professionals chats with Kalyani as she drove me from and to Rani’s home were poignant and meaningful.

I was jolted from a comfortable journey back to Coimbatore by my neighbour in the flight.

As shown in Mov.32.4., with knees on the seat, he held an animated conversation with his friends in the back row. An image of him losing his balance and tilting/falling on me popped up. And then the humour of the situation struck- and I decided to use my phone to click his unusual pose, poised on his seat.

After experiencing the finesse and spirit of Taichi training and ending with a neighbour hanging over his seat brought out the polarities in our existence and subsistence. The life lesson was to be prepared for both- the beauty and eccentricities of life and living.

Dear Reader,

Looking forward to meeting you in Blog 33