Answer:
We all started somewhere, and the only thing for certain for all of us is ... it that it was not here!

I have already explained that our group (the physical manifestations that live within striking distance of the house of taichido in Southampton, Hampshire, England) are of diverse backgrounds, and above all really the only things that we have in common is that we are human beings and we have an interest in Tai Chi.

It has come to be my role to somehow organize this organic assemblage into whatever it is supposed to be. As I really have no ideas as to what this 'it' is, I cling like a limpet to a simple formula as guide: "Tai Chi. Nothing Added - Nothing Taken Away". Adhering to this (whilst admitting that I don't know what 'it' is anyway!) can be difficult, so again I make it simple: I teach The Yang Long (Nothing Added - Nothing Taken Away) Form.

To further relieve the burden that I do from time to time become aware of as "Leader" of whatever this 'organization' is supposed to be, I do like to add to my Anthem "Nothing Added - Nothing Taken Away" another one that goes: "Tai Chi is where You are, Not where I am".

One of my first articles published to www.taichido.com (now deleted or edited beyond recognition) was "No Beginning - No End". This was record of an 'Open Study Session' on "Sitting, Standing and Breathing" and carried through the themes of "Nothing Added - Nothing Taken Away" and "We are Fortunate to have been Born as Human Beings".
In general the session concentrated upon the absolute basics.

I suppose that this then transpired to be my first attempt at 'structured study notes' and it may be of some interest now to note that the intended medium of publication was only ever the web/net. My simple formula was to compare what I planned and what I wanted to happen with what actually did; and then make some use of those 'before and after' notes.

The difference between the former and the latter is no more than the difference between then and now and you and me. However this NEED NOT BE THE DISTANCE between us because "Tai Chi is where You are, Not where I am", and it is the nature of Tai Chi, like the tao, to be everywhere at one time. Those that can see 'it' like this do; those that don't ... don't. Those that do are already members of this club and you don't have to be here to participate.

I teach 'Absolute Beginners' only 'in person'. At those early stages of study it is necessary to have the physical presence of a teacher of some sort. (Without, it can hardly be called "study" can it?) Later, this may become 1. Less Necessary or 2. Not practical. This structured study is designed to act as not only ongoing notes made for those that can (physical) get here but those that cannot equally. It so happens those those that can get here are (under my tuition) ready to commence study of Part Three. If you feel any need whatsoever to use this facility yourself for 'home study' or as a session between sessions then, provided that you yourself are at a suitable juncture in your study, please feel free to join us. Simply E-mail myself or Mark, or leave an entry in our Guestbook and join us in this innovative and groundbreaking FREE scheme.

LESSONS FROM GEESE

1 .As each goose flaps its wings it creates an 'uplift' of air for the birds that follow. Flying in a 'V' formation, the whole flock adds 71% more to their range than would be possible if the birds flew alone.
Lesson. People who share a common interest and sense of community can get where they are going more quickly and easily because they are traveling on the trust of one another.

2. When a goose falls out of  formation it suddenly feels the resistance and drag which comes from flying alone. It quickly moves back into formation to gain the advantage of the lifting power of the birds in front of it.
Lesson. If we stay in harmony with others who are heading in the same direction as ourselves, then all will benefit. As we accept help from others, so we can in our turn assist others.

3. When the lead goose tires, it drops back into the formation, and another bird takes over the lead
Lesson. It pays to take turns with leadership and doing the hard tasks. As with geese, people are also interdependent, and need each other's skills, talents and gifts.

4. Geese flying in formation honk to encourage the ones in front to keep up their speed.
Lesson. We need to be sure that our 'honking' is encouraging, and not discouraging. In communities where there is encouragement, achievement is enhanced 'Right honking' empowers individuals and groups.

5. If a goose becomes ill, or is injured in any way, two others from the group follow it down to a place where they can rest, in order to help and protect it. They stay with it until it dies or is able to fly again. Then they will either catch up with the original flock, or join another formation.
Lesson. It makes good sense to stand by each other in difficult times, and we do not really lose out by doing so.