"After that, before each practice began, we would sing "Row, Row, Row Your Boat." "Many children learn this song in my country," I said, "but few people understand its deeper truths. These truths apply, as you'll see, not only to acrobatics or t'ai chi training but to all of life. The words 'Row, row, row your boat' remind us to build our lives on a foundation of action and effort, not on positive thoughts or feelings. Thinking about doing something is the same as not doing it. Our lives are shaped by what we actually do--by rowing our boat. Only effort over time brings results in training and in everyday life."