Burnout
Burnout is a well known concept as far as the workplace is concerned. We live in a time where wealth, knowledge and automation are such that we could all work less hours for less years and for more money. However there are a strata of people who would never let that happen.
Before the Tai Chi school a number of us have sat in corporate management meetings while executives laughed at how they would justify wage suppression in light of massive profits. It was not enough for them to receive huge salaries, they also fed on the negative emotions of those that worked for them. Given our low tolerance for assholes we were excommunicated from that world, but not without leaving a parting message. Given non-disclosure agreements and because there are far more wholesome things to write about, let’s move on.
It is possible to suffer burnout not just from things you tolerate or actively dislike. It is also possible to get burnt out on things you enjoy such as hobbies, travel, art, sport, or any number of passions. It is an even greater shame to become weary of something you enjoy than something you do out of necessity. It can certainly happen with Tai Chi, one of the many reasons for the often poor retention rates in Tai Chi classes. So what are you to do when an activity that is purported to be a cure for burnout becomes the cause?
The simple answer is change approach. Reignite your passion by looking at your practice from an entirely different angle. Any two approaches to Tai Chi can be so different as to be considered a completely different activity. So such a change will inevitably bring renewed interest. To hold on to a passion throughout a whole lifetime is a gift, and one worth nurturing.
If you need some guidance on how to get started on finding your new source of inspiration, there are a number of approaches including a good old fashioned trip to the library. However the quickest approach would be to get online and look at video comments, forums, facebook groups etc. and find the drama. In amongst the name calling and shouts of GONG SAU may be the contrarian you need. Anybody who gets accused of being woo woo is like catnip to us, you know we love the woo. But of course we have developed a discerning eye for legitimate esoterica vs total nonsense. Fair warning you’ll be walking in to a pit of toxicity so get in and get out.
Just a quick post today to avoid….you know.