Faceless Buildings, Efficient Hands

Visa season comes around fast on a journey like this one, and today was exactly that kind of day — the morning swallowed by faceless offices and paperwork I only half understood. I was fortunate to have someone from the school walk me through it, doing most of the real work while I signed where instructed. Whatever else I might say about the process, China moves through bureaucracy with real efficiency. A few hours, and just like that, the next six months were secured.

The rest of the day passed quietly, a handful of small tasks I'd been putting off longer than I'd like to admit. As the sun dropped, it was time to train again.

The evening session was hot and sweaty, the way they always are, and beautiful in its own right. I've found myself returning to basic training with real enjoyment lately, enough that it shows plainly on my face. That carried straight into a Tai Chi 108 session where everything simply flowed.

I love sessions like that. I couldn't tell you where they come from, or why they choose to arrive when they do. I only know they're necessary, every so often, and they make the whole undertaking feel worth it.

Today was a good day. The friction faded, and something like joy stood in its place. I find myself feeling grateful for it, and for the smile it left behind.