The past two weekends I was back in the classroom. Not as the instructor, but as a student. The role reversal felt good.

The classes, Chinese Facial Fusion and Indian Head Massage, gave my cranium, face, neck, and shoulders a new design. Tui Na provided an overall rolly-polly bliss. After receiving many treatments, tension dropped away. Last Sunday afternoon, confusion reigned due to countless sessions. I said to a fellow classmate, “Just tell me where to go.” We laughed. The classes were light and fun. I picked up a few tidbits which felt terrific. Practice is the next step to ingrain the information into my tissues.

Last Sunday, I inquired how a fellow student liked the class. He said, “I’m bored to death. I got it after the first time she showed us what to do. I’d go home now if I could.”  I responded, “What would you differently?” Briskly he replied, “I have no idea, I just answered the question that you asked.” The shame of it was he wasn’t there to “smarten up.” He had to take classes for his license, so that was what he was doing. I had the same incentive but a very different outlook.

Partaking in continuing education has always been a gift to me, and I have grown beyond measure both personally and professionally. However, to be forced into classes can bring about a bad attitude. Personally, I searched for classes of interest. The attitude that I opted for was one of openness.

I had more experience than the instructor and all in attendance, yet I participated fully. I opened my heart, my body, my spirit. Boredom did not enter the picture. I actually enjoyed the experience.

Sometimes, we feel forced into something that we do not want to do. But, if we are smart about it, we enter with an open mind. There is always something to learn given the opportunity, the proper attitude, and a spirit that wants to soar.

In the words of Dr. Stone: “Empty thy cup so that it can be filled.”

Words from Lillian Turcich: “Each day I learn something new.” The possibilities are endless. Reach out and see what you find. A great deal is right there in front of you. Be well... Nancy T.