When I first went to an acupuncturist healer, most of what she said was unfamiliar to me. She talked about energy blockage, energy deficiency and excess. She talked about Qi, the life-force energy that gives us life. She talked about channels and organ systems.

Why did I go in the first place? My neurologist had said matter-of-factly, after being his MS patient for many years, “There is nothing more I can do for you.” I still felt overwhelming fatigue. My balance was terrible. My right leg and ankle were weak. And, the main reason I went to this healer was because a great friend had received so much help from her. This healer came highly recommended.

Through persistence, hard work, trust and working closely with my healer, my life has been transformed. She recommended Tai Chi which I embraced and have been practicing for over 20 years. Tai Chi has been instrumental in that transformation.

I stepped out of my comfort zone, jumped into the unknown without knowing exactly what I was doing. And, I followed the advice of my Tai Chi teachers and healers — listen to your body and do only what you can do. Do only what you can do.

Over my 18 years as a Tai Chi teacher, I often tell new students that I have two overall expectations:

1. Try to keep your attention in the room as much as possible.
2. Do only what you can do. I have learned how hard it is for some adults in my classes to pay attention to what they are comfortable doing with and in their bodies. They want do what the teacher does. They want to do what they think other students are doing. They want to keep up.

I have learned that my students who listen to their bodies and do what they can do receive benefits of Tai Chi more than those who do not. So, I will continue to suggest and gently guide using that wisdom which was so helpful for me.

Are you listening to your body and only doing what you can do? Or are you pushing yourself beyond that point? Take some time to listen today and be kind to yourself.