For the past year, I’ve been slowly working my way through an online Tai Chi course at Strala Yoga. The course is 52 weeks and even though I’ve been at it for over a year, I’m only on week 35. There’s that part of me that wants to be done—check off all the boxes and get the certificate, even though I still don’t know how to do an actual Tai Chi sequence all the way through.
However, I have learned something valuable up to this point—I don’t need to rush the learning part because it’s never over. There’s always more to discover. It’s like playing the guitar, there’s always more to learn—it never ends. Knowing there is no end in sight could make me want to throw up my hands and say forget it. However, early on in the class, the instructor shared three words that kept me curious and wanting to know more. He borrowed the phrase from his wife, who has been an important role model in my yoga practice, thanks to a video I checked out from the library almost twenty years ago. My instructor said practicing Tai Chi was simply about “making here better.”
He went on to explain that no matter where I am or what I am going through, there are simple things I can do to make it better. I can take a breath, adjust my posture, and shake out any tension I’m holding in my body—tiny adjustments that can change everything. The best part? It’s so easy.
I’m finding this new, age-old wisdom is always available and applicable. Yesterday, I made here better by making some space, clearing out clutter, and bringing some light into our motorhome. A phone call to my interior design guru sister encouraged me to go ahead and hang the sheer white curtains I was thinking about, and bring in some living plants. Done. A few small adjustments.
The song Making Here Better is a walk through my day, capturing everyday ordinary moments that enrich my life and make it better. The last verse hasn’t happened yet, but it’s something I’m looking forward to in November when the vinyl edition of the album Travelin’ Light is finished—instead of an old record turning on the turntable, it will be a new record.
I also wrote a song last year called What I Have that touches on the same idea—noticing and savoring the ordinary moments that happen throughout each day.
Life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans - John Lennon
As I write this, the morning light is streaming in through the sheer curtains. I can hear a bird chirping outside. Thoughts are floating through my mind from a conversation I had with my oldest son yesterday. Last night I watched a movie where an uncannily similar scene between a mother and son took place. Synchronicity? Probably not. Another opportunity to learn something new.
Life is hard. We’re all doing the best we can through the ebbs and flows, and occasional rip tides that sweep us off our feet. But sometimes just taking a moment to look around and notice the little things inside and out, can make right where we are so much better.
Making Here Better written by Trisha Leone Sandora I kiss you good morning, you ask me how I slept Someone’s wagging his tail, waiting by the front step Walking with you and holding your hand My favorite moments happen here where I am Being together making here better Being together making here better I see you standing in the kitchen, stirring the sauce Slicing up an onion, for a meal made with love Raising my glass in a room full of friends It’s feels so good to be right where I am Being together making here better Being together making here better We go outside in the dark, barefoot on the porch Watching satellites crossing the sky Tracing constellations star to star The best things in life are where we already are I light the wick of a candle and smell the wax burn Light flickers in the shadows while an old record turns In this moment I have everything I need No place else I’d rather be Being together making here better Being together making here better
Listen to the song Making Here Better on Bandcamp or below
I look forward to your posts every Sunday. They definately add positivity to my week! Your insight and lyrics somehow always are applicable no matter where I am in life. Have a great week!
My favorite quote from this post. It certainly resonates with my life. Every day, I can learn something new if I pay attention.
"I don’t need to rush the learning part because it’s never over. There’s always more to discover. It’s like playing the guitar, there’s always more to learn—it never ends."