It's been one heck of a day. I received news that one of my cousins died unexpectedly yesterday morning. Then I spent several hours talking on the phone with another cousin and one of my brothers. All too quickly the family dynamics began to percolate and circulate.
By late afternoon when I began my T'ai Chi Chih practice, I was eager for peace, quiet, and healing energy to flood my body/mind. And partway through practice the sun emerged from behind its daylong cloud cover and I immediately felt better ... lighter.
My knee gave out on me again today. It's obviously time for me to engage in some seated practice. Unfortunately, I don't remember that I should do so until I'm into my practice and my knee collapses. Also during this time of year when the days are lengthening and the sun is shining I want to be out and moving. And so ... that's my intention for tomorrow: sit down and practice. No excuses.
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
T'ai Chi Chih Fertilizer = Growth
After teaching two back-to-back T'ai Chi Chih classes tonight the bottoms of my feet hurt! And, in the middle of my first class, my knee started to give out. Still, despite my physical dis-abilities my mind and spirit feel energized, calm, and light (with regard to both weight and color).
One student brought a favorite Tao te Ching reading to advanced class (Verse 56). It states, in part:
We had a lively and funny discussion after our advanced class practice as we played with refining movements. One student who just started taking a yoga class said that his teacher told the class, "The grass grows by itself." He asked: Could that be Taoist philosophy? It could.
Another student piped up: It sounds like kids. And ... it sounds like all of us, young and old. T'ai Chi Chih practice can be the fertilizer that stimulates our growth. If we absorb the light that shines upon and within us, we'll undoubtedly grow into a healthy, hearty garden.
One student brought a favorite Tao te Ching reading to advanced class (Verse 56). It states, in part:
Who knowsThis student was quick to add that you can't be controlled by profit or by loss ... or by politicians. Given the current state of our local, state, and national politics, that's a comforting thought.
doesn't talk.
Who talks
doesn't know....
Then you can't be controlled by love
or by rejection.
You can't be controlled by profit
or by loss.
You can't be controlled by praise
or by humiliation.
Then you have honor under heaven.
We had a lively and funny discussion after our advanced class practice as we played with refining movements. One student who just started taking a yoga class said that his teacher told the class, "The grass grows by itself." He asked: Could that be Taoist philosophy? It could.
Another student piped up: It sounds like kids. And ... it sounds like all of us, young and old. T'ai Chi Chih practice can be the fertilizer that stimulates our growth. If we absorb the light that shines upon and within us, we'll undoubtedly grow into a healthy, hearty garden.
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Resiliency Plus
It's a crazy world! Earthquake, tsunami, and nuclear reactor destruction in Japan and our government proclaims that nothing similar could happen here in the U.S. Denial. It's more than the name of a river in Egypt.
Here in Wisconsin demonstrations have continued for four weeks over the union-busting (and monarchical)actions of our newly-elected govenor. The chasm between people of different political persuasions and class backgrounds continues to widen. In the rural area where I live budget cuts will weaken our small communities and contribute to unemployment rather than create jobs as Gov. Walker promised.
Of course, there's also the civil unrest in Libya, Bahrain, and Egypt. How does one stay sane in the midst of natural disasters and political and economic unheaval?
Practice T'ai Chi Chih moving meditation. That's one option at the very least. Today I practiced TCC twice, once in the morning and once in the evening. While we're being lambasted with disasterous news, it helps to begin and end the day with peace and, even, hope. The human spirit is incredibly resilient. And, thankfully, T'ai Chi Chih practice reminds me of that fact.
Here in Wisconsin demonstrations have continued for four weeks over the union-busting (and monarchical)actions of our newly-elected govenor. The chasm between people of different political persuasions and class backgrounds continues to widen. In the rural area where I live budget cuts will weaken our small communities and contribute to unemployment rather than create jobs as Gov. Walker promised.
Of course, there's also the civil unrest in Libya, Bahrain, and Egypt. How does one stay sane in the midst of natural disasters and political and economic unheaval?
Practice T'ai Chi Chih moving meditation. That's one option at the very least. Today I practiced TCC twice, once in the morning and once in the evening. While we're being lambasted with disasterous news, it helps to begin and end the day with peace and, even, hope. The human spirit is incredibly resilient. And, thankfully, T'ai Chi Chih practice reminds me of that fact.
Monday, March 14, 2011
Taking T'ai Chi Chih to the Twin Cities
Saturday, March 12, 2011, 4:45 p.m.:
I'm lounging in our room at The Saint Paul Hotel--thanks to the generosity of friends--prior to going out for dinner then attending the Minnesota Opera's performance of La Traviata. It's the lifestyle of the rich and famous and I'll gladly adopt it for one evening to experience how the other 'half' (err, 10%) lives.
We spent the day visiting with our friends and eating good food. I practiced T'ai Chi Chih while several of our group ate breakfast. Looking out a window downhill into our friends' backyard and beyond I was struck by how dense city living is: house by house by house, backyard neighboring backyard. There's a constant roar of traffic and planes. Each household's actions, behaviors, and noise levels affect the next. (Obviously I've grown used to the rural woodland lifestyle!)
It felt good to slowly move, touching peace and tranquility in the midst of a small house filled with four adults and one dog. Later in the day I overheard the voices of my friends as they rose in volume and intensity and I kept my cool.
To start the day quietly is an enormous blessing.
Sunday, March 13, 2011:
During this morning's T'ai Chi Chih practice I looked down upon Rice Park from our room on the eighth floor of The Saint Paul Hotel. We were higher than the seagulls (or pigeons?) who spiralled up from the park to roost on the roof of the Ordway Theater and the Landmark Center.
It's a lazy Sunday morning with sparse traffic and a perfectly positioned view of the St. Paul Cathedral which dominates the scene. I have a birds' eye view of the winged ones and the street action.
Today we'll head back to the woods but first, breakfast with one pair of friends and lunch with another. I'd like to squeeze in more socializing but think it best to moderate my activity levels since we'll drive five hours this afternoon/evening and then off to work tomorrow.
I'm incredibly grateful to have these precious TCC practice minutes each day in order to return myself to sanity in the midst of challenging times (Japan's earthquake, tsunami, and nuclear reactor failures being just one example).
Monday, March 14, 2011, 8:30 p.m.:
I slept so soundly last night that I didn't realize the cat tried to wake me until I got out of bed and discovered a bloody scratch across one cheek. Yes, friends, I'm back home--home, sweet home--once again.
I experienced terrible stomach upset yesterday during the drive home and eventually vomited up breakfast and lunch. So ... a good night's sleep was a welcome tonic for my ailing body.
Though exceedingly tired today, I practiced TCC before heading to work and moved at half-speed most of the day. By late afternoon I re-membered myself. And now--now--I'll practice some more moving meditation to continue my healing process....
I'm lounging in our room at The Saint Paul Hotel--thanks to the generosity of friends--prior to going out for dinner then attending the Minnesota Opera's performance of La Traviata. It's the lifestyle of the rich and famous and I'll gladly adopt it for one evening to experience how the other 'half' (err, 10%) lives.
We spent the day visiting with our friends and eating good food. I practiced T'ai Chi Chih while several of our group ate breakfast. Looking out a window downhill into our friends' backyard and beyond I was struck by how dense city living is: house by house by house, backyard neighboring backyard. There's a constant roar of traffic and planes. Each household's actions, behaviors, and noise levels affect the next. (Obviously I've grown used to the rural woodland lifestyle!)
It felt good to slowly move, touching peace and tranquility in the midst of a small house filled with four adults and one dog. Later in the day I overheard the voices of my friends as they rose in volume and intensity and I kept my cool.
To start the day quietly is an enormous blessing.
Sunday, March 13, 2011:
During this morning's T'ai Chi Chih practice I looked down upon Rice Park from our room on the eighth floor of The Saint Paul Hotel. We were higher than the seagulls (or pigeons?) who spiralled up from the park to roost on the roof of the Ordway Theater and the Landmark Center.
It's a lazy Sunday morning with sparse traffic and a perfectly positioned view of the St. Paul Cathedral which dominates the scene. I have a birds' eye view of the winged ones and the street action.
Today we'll head back to the woods but first, breakfast with one pair of friends and lunch with another. I'd like to squeeze in more socializing but think it best to moderate my activity levels since we'll drive five hours this afternoon/evening and then off to work tomorrow.
I'm incredibly grateful to have these precious TCC practice minutes each day in order to return myself to sanity in the midst of challenging times (Japan's earthquake, tsunami, and nuclear reactor failures being just one example).
Monday, March 14, 2011, 8:30 p.m.:
I slept so soundly last night that I didn't realize the cat tried to wake me until I got out of bed and discovered a bloody scratch across one cheek. Yes, friends, I'm back home--home, sweet home--once again.
I experienced terrible stomach upset yesterday during the drive home and eventually vomited up breakfast and lunch. So ... a good night's sleep was a welcome tonic for my ailing body.
Though exceedingly tired today, I practiced TCC before heading to work and moved at half-speed most of the day. By late afternoon I re-membered myself. And now--now--I'll practice some more moving meditation to continue my healing process....
Friday, March 11, 2011
Be Like a Bird Who ...
Thursday, March 18, 2011, 3:00 p.m.
It's a sun drenched 40 degree day. Immediately after this morning's T'ai Chi Chih class Frances, Namaste, and I left for the Twin Cities. It's a wonderful travel day: warm, bright, and shining. Patches of earth and grass peek through snowy fields where deer graze quietly. I expect we'll see more snow at our Twin Cities' destination since that area received more winter storms thus far this year.
In my rush to get out of town I arrived at class in a flustered flurry. I gratefully grew into stillness as we practiced T'ai Chi Chih and sat together for 15 minutes of quiet meditation.
My overactive mind and body relaxed so much during class, in fact, that I napped in the car during the first three hours of travel. TCC class was a wonderful transition from a hurried, over full week into/toward a relaxing weekend getaway. I look forward to visiting with friends and relatives and attending my first opera on Saturday night.
I'm back to writing in my traveling journal since I'm unsure whether an opportunity to sit at a keyboard will present itself. Oh, joy! a welcome respite from a regular schedule and daily habits and patterns!
Friday, March 11, 2011, 1:30 p.m.
We're comfortably settled into the house of two friends in St. Paul. I stayed 'home' this afternoon while Frances and one friend ventured to the Minnesota Textile Center. Me? I'll happily practice T'ai Chi Chih, blog, read, take the dog for a walk, and nap. With my energy renewed, I'll be ready for more visiting or an outing this evening.
This is what I know about myself. The older I grow and the more I practice moving and seated meditation, the happier I am living quietly and simply. When I honor the energy (or lack thereof) that is available to me in this moment, I gradually learn to respect my limits. When I respect my limits--my Self--I'm less inclined to feel that I'm missing out when others take off adventuring. I allow myself to be filled with--and comforted by--the peace and silence that surrounds me in the quiet place I inhabit in this moment.
Today's TCC practice was wonderful and refreshing. With all humans out of the house I positioned myself in front of a mirrored wall and watched not only my reflected self but another shadow of myself that mirrored back to me from a glass door. Two selves: one identifiable in her black pants, lavender turtleneck, and tennis shoes, and another who had a similar shape but who was dressed entirely in black.
I quickly realized that I was more accepting and nonjudging of my shadow self than I was of the reflection that was the more accurate representation of me. The shadow didn't need to look or move a certain way. The identifiable Steph did. Whew. I consciously focused on my shadow and appreciated the feelings of relaxation that flowed into me. (It felt much better to focus on what's inside instead of being waylaid by outward physical appearance.)
I found this framed quote on my friend's desk and decided to include it on this blog because in a certain way it, too, is Taoist philosophy:
It's a sun drenched 40 degree day. Immediately after this morning's T'ai Chi Chih class Frances, Namaste, and I left for the Twin Cities. It's a wonderful travel day: warm, bright, and shining. Patches of earth and grass peek through snowy fields where deer graze quietly. I expect we'll see more snow at our Twin Cities' destination since that area received more winter storms thus far this year.
In my rush to get out of town I arrived at class in a flustered flurry. I gratefully grew into stillness as we practiced T'ai Chi Chih and sat together for 15 minutes of quiet meditation.
My overactive mind and body relaxed so much during class, in fact, that I napped in the car during the first three hours of travel. TCC class was a wonderful transition from a hurried, over full week into/toward a relaxing weekend getaway. I look forward to visiting with friends and relatives and attending my first opera on Saturday night.
I'm back to writing in my traveling journal since I'm unsure whether an opportunity to sit at a keyboard will present itself. Oh, joy! a welcome respite from a regular schedule and daily habits and patterns!
Friday, March 11, 2011, 1:30 p.m.
We're comfortably settled into the house of two friends in St. Paul. I stayed 'home' this afternoon while Frances and one friend ventured to the Minnesota Textile Center. Me? I'll happily practice T'ai Chi Chih, blog, read, take the dog for a walk, and nap. With my energy renewed, I'll be ready for more visiting or an outing this evening.
This is what I know about myself. The older I grow and the more I practice moving and seated meditation, the happier I am living quietly and simply. When I honor the energy (or lack thereof) that is available to me in this moment, I gradually learn to respect my limits. When I respect my limits--my Self--I'm less inclined to feel that I'm missing out when others take off adventuring. I allow myself to be filled with--and comforted by--the peace and silence that surrounds me in the quiet place I inhabit in this moment.
Today's TCC practice was wonderful and refreshing. With all humans out of the house I positioned myself in front of a mirrored wall and watched not only my reflected self but another shadow of myself that mirrored back to me from a glass door. Two selves: one identifiable in her black pants, lavender turtleneck, and tennis shoes, and another who had a similar shape but who was dressed entirely in black.
I quickly realized that I was more accepting and nonjudging of my shadow self than I was of the reflection that was the more accurate representation of me. The shadow didn't need to look or move a certain way. The identifiable Steph did. Whew. I consciously focused on my shadow and appreciated the feelings of relaxation that flowed into me. (It felt much better to focus on what's inside instead of being waylaid by outward physical appearance.)
I found this framed quote on my friend's desk and decided to include it on this blog because in a certain way it, too, is Taoist philosophy:
Be like a bird
Who halting in her flight
On a limb too slight
Feels it give way beneath her
Yet sings, sings
Knowing she has wings
Yet sings, sings
Knowing she has wings
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Finding The Way
Tonight's T'ai Chi Chih classes were 1) supremely quiet and 2) incredibly relaxing to the point that I thought one of my students might fall asleep while standing and moving! There is so much political turmoil in this state right now which isn't being resolved. Consequently, it's imperative that residents experience some stress-free time in order to balance high levels of anxiety along with feelings of disenfranchisement.
The continuing class practice was quiet to the point where I could hear the swish and swipe of pants leg rubbing against pants leg. During the beginning class my two students were exceedingly focused and relaxed as well. Actually, it's relatively easy to teach when students truly relax and let go.
I read an excerpt from The Tao of Inner Peace by Diane Dreher to my continuing class. Dreher's words explore the meaning of Tao Te Ching, verse 48, which reads, in part,
The continuing class practice was quiet to the point where I could hear the swish and swipe of pants leg rubbing against pants leg. During the beginning class my two students were exceedingly focused and relaxed as well. Actually, it's relatively easy to teach when students truly relax and let go.
I read an excerpt from The Tao of Inner Peace by Diane Dreher to my continuing class. Dreher's words explore the meaning of Tao Te Ching, verse 48, which reads, in part,
When seeking knowledge,Dreher explains (p. 84):
Much is acquired.
When seeking Tao,
Much is discarded.
The Tao teaches openmindedness, freedom from the tyranny of custom and authority. Much of what passes in the world for knowledge is intellectual clutter that keeps us from thinking for ourselves. The knowledge we find in the classroom, in books, newspapers, or on television is mainly the experience and opinion of others. Some of this knowledge may be true, but we forfeit our intellectual independence if we accept it at face value. The Tao says not to let anyone else do our thinking for us.After several days (or more!) of intense busyness it was indeed wonderful to experience slowness, quiet, and space. It's my hope that the deep quiet of practice allows TCC practitioners to listen, weigh, follow their inner guidance, and make their own decisions. That's the beauty, power, and lasting benefit of reading the Tao and practicing T'ai Chi Chih. Each one, philosophy and practice, is intertwined with the other and both allow us to use our intellect, experience, and intuition to find The Way.
Tao people study life. They listen to others and weigh their opinions. But they make their own decisions, follow inner guidance and the cycles of Tao.
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Loosening and Lightening
This has been a very long day. My morning practice seems as though it happened days ago. And now, some nine hours later, I'm happy to dispense with this day.
Many people commented on today's special beauty. The sun shone brightly and, with clean, fresh snow sprinkled everywhere, the world felt wonderfully alive.
During my T'ai Chi Chih practice I watched unceasing activity around the bird feeder. Squirrels and birds, a woodpecker, and a huge raven visited the feeder, flying and dashing in every direction. More snow is predicted for the remainder of the week but, for this day alone, there's glorious, fabulous sunshine.
Yesterday one of my co-workers was diagnosed with pneumonia and another with bronchitis. It felt lonely at work as I handled patron requests and phone calls by myself. Though I'm sure that my pre-work TCC practice placed me in the proper frame of mind now, after six hours of complaints and complications, I wish I'd launched into a few minutes of practice to balance the constant demands of customer service.
It takes practice and experience to be able to easily allow people's anger and frustration to simply slide off me and flow into the Earth. At the moment I feel tired from a demanding day but if I take just a few minutes to revisit my TCC practice, I'm sure that my mood with lift and my energy lighten.
Many people commented on today's special beauty. The sun shone brightly and, with clean, fresh snow sprinkled everywhere, the world felt wonderfully alive.
During my T'ai Chi Chih practice I watched unceasing activity around the bird feeder. Squirrels and birds, a woodpecker, and a huge raven visited the feeder, flying and dashing in every direction. More snow is predicted for the remainder of the week but, for this day alone, there's glorious, fabulous sunshine.
Yesterday one of my co-workers was diagnosed with pneumonia and another with bronchitis. It felt lonely at work as I handled patron requests and phone calls by myself. Though I'm sure that my pre-work TCC practice placed me in the proper frame of mind now, after six hours of complaints and complications, I wish I'd launched into a few minutes of practice to balance the constant demands of customer service.
It takes practice and experience to be able to easily allow people's anger and frustration to simply slide off me and flow into the Earth. At the moment I feel tired from a demanding day but if I take just a few minutes to revisit my TCC practice, I'm sure that my mood with lift and my energy lighten.
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