Training In Paradise

As I step on to the cement pad that has become my training place in this warm weather, a sharp-shinned hawk glides slowly overhead, looking for prey. He disappears behind me and the ravens take his place, drifting and playing on the air currents as only they can do, all the while carrying on a serious conversation. Ever the watchful couple, they are my constant companions and I am grateful for their presence.

My legs are tired from yesterdays work and reluctant to get started. They plant themselves firmly on the cement, declaring mutiny, and I am forced to meditate on my surroundings for a short time. The wind blows and I look skyward for my black friends.

High, thin clouds swirl across the great expanse of blue and draw my attention northwest, to the Tehachapi mountain range. It is very close today. I can see the tall, white windmills that cover the western edge of the range. They look like crosses to me. And there are a lot of them; a giant's graveyard.

I remember I only have an hour and tell my legs to get on with it already. I attempt Chang Jin.

My legs laugh and say I told you so.

I tell them to be quiet and do it again.

And again.

The cries of small birds shift my focus from my mutinous legs to the vegetation around me. The rain has brought the green. There are mourning doves hiding in the tall grass, but I see them. As I work the form, I get closer to them. They should burst from their hiding places in a furry of high-pitched squeaks and fluttering wings, but they remain, unmoved.

They never fly from me when I train.

I turn to face the butte in preparation for my next form, Chul Ki Sam Dan. The sun is high and the rocks shine with endless tiny mirrors beneath it. Everything is green. A white moth with papery wings says a quick hello and disappears into the bright light of the noonday sun.

I close my eyes. The wind rushes past me, taking my scent with it. There are no planes, cars or people. Just the wind, the birds and my breath. I put my trust in what I know and the form is done.

Again and again.

My black friends shriek, reminding me to open my eyes and check my watch. My time is up and another afternoon of training in paradise has ended.

I cant wait for tomorrow.