Recently I enrolled in a 10-week online QiGong course. Each week presents lessons and practice on five major ‘keys’ or principles in Qi Gong ( cultivation of energy exercises). The teacher, Paul Cavel, gives lessons via video clips, which allow demonstrations then practice with him as I follow from my home. It is a very effective way to teach by being present in the room via computer.

One hitch: Looking forward to the first lesson in Week 2, I logged in to the site and clicked on the first video. Start. Stop. Start. Stop. It felt like a hiccup. I re-started my computer. Same thing. I left the sight and went back a few hours later. Start. Stop. Start. Stop.

Knowing what the problem was, I called my high-speed internet provider. I ordered more speed. A technician will be here tomorrow with a new modem. That new modem will allow me more speed to run and view the videos. Without it, I can’t take the course.

Isn’t it ironic that I have to have more speed to take a course emphasizing slowing down and being in the moment? More speed to slow down.

I’m trying to flow with the change I need, flow with change in how we teach and how we learn. Technology is driving what we do and how we do it. I don’t want to be controlled by it but I do want access to the material and opportunities it can provide, like this QiGong course.

I will welcome the technician tomorrow, who will open my door to Week 2.