Where Will It Lead?

Sr. Antonia's words from her June 2012 Newsletter are still floating through my mind. She reminded us (T'ai Chi Chih teachers) that TCC is done "mainly with the wrists and waist (and primarily below the waist)."

With tan t'ien (two inches below the navel) leading each movement, I'm well aware of how my waist moves, especially in side-to-side movements. During front-to-back weight shifts, on the other hand, the movement of the waist seems more subtle (even though it is not) because its actions feel more like an opening and closing (remember my long-ago reference to a bellows?) rather than bending and twisting.

The wrists are another matter. There are several movements in the form where we specifically circle and/or open and close the wrists (i.e., Bird Flaps Its Wings, Wrist Circle Taffy, Light at the Top of the Head/Temples). Otherwise, we need to closely examine our postures to realize that the wrists should--and do--lead our hand/arm movements as they float forward and back, side-to-side.

Joyous Breath offered me a stumbling block and opportunity. I recall from Justin Stone's TCC DVD that Justin leads with his wrists as he exhales and presses down. Me? I typically keep my wrists locked to maintain the tension/force that's the key to this movement. Today, though, I had an aha moment. During this morning's practice I allowed my wrists to flex softly as I maintained my mental perception of force.

What did I discover? It felt good! Yes, I'll continue to practice ways in which to soften Joyous Breath even as I perpetuate a feeling of tension. Who knows where this exploration will lead?

A Rich Stew

The Mystic Vision, February 28th:

As a bee seeks nectar from all kinds of flowers
Seek teachings everywhere.
Like a deer that finds a quiet place to graze
Seek seclusion to digest
all that you have gathered.
Like a mad one beyond all limits
go where you please and live like a lion
completely free of all fear.
          Dzogchen Tantra

I sent the above reading from The Mystic Vision to a friend who celebrates her birthday on this day. It fit her personality but it also fits the teachings of the Tao and is applicable to those of us who practice t'ai chi chih moving meditation.

When we remain open to our practice--and in our lives!--we constantly receive teachings. The Chi that circulates and flows as a result of this practice provides us with the opportunity to open our hearts and live out of love rather than fear. It's simply wonderful to imagine myself living like a lion or, even, "a mad one beyond all limits."

This evening I practiced TCC as rose-pink tinted the edges of the sky and bid the day farewell. The entire day burst with sunshine and--since tonight is full moon and the sky is clear--I expect that the entire night will burst with moonshine. Tonight I practiced my movements by direction, a method that Sr. Antonia says she sometimes employs to teach TCC. I began with side-to-side movements, then up and down, and finally forward/backward movements. What fun!

Though I've often paired similar movements together when teaching a class I've never combined all similar directional movements together in a full practice. I feel blessed to learn strategies and techniques from other TCC teachers, trainers, and guides. Our unique contributions and varied teaching approaches create a very rich stew indeed!