To add another perspective to the excellent examples Michael gave, I'd like to note that similar things are also at play in things like Science and more material disciplines. In my academic experience, I'd have to say that I am not able to learn subjects (Philosophy, Physics, Literature,...), if I am not able to have my mind in a "receptive" state, or in some way "give myself up" to the teacher. If I don't think I can learn from a teacher, I will have a lot of difficulty in the subject, unless it is one I have already built up a lot of successful experience in and have a natural aptitude for (such as Math). Even then, there were times when I did not understand the simplest Math at all, and not trying to be egotistical, but I have a very high natural aptitude for Math (It is not unusual for my University Mathematics Professors to come to me for help with some very sophisticated Higher Math). So it's really a factor in learning anything that you have to put your mind in a at least somewhat receptive state to learn something. If you don't think you can learn from a teacher, you certainly won't be able to. Just like how you can learn Math or Biology very easily once you have been initiated and have an intuitive understanding for the "knack" of it, once you learn Qigong, it becomes very easy to learn Qigong. Like although I believe someone cannot learn Qigong effectively from a book or video, if they know Qigong already, it is very easy to learn Qigong effectively from a book or video.
Michael: Hey
. Yeah, I live in the Bay Area, but I am often in Rochester, NY. I'm sure we will meet some time too.