March came in like a lamb and went out in a similar fashion; it was 80 degrees today and sunny. The UPS delivery man was nice enough to remind us that we can still have freezing temps and snow in May so ... not to worry.
Frances and I discovered during a late afternoon walk that the frogs are back singing their hearts out. When we arrived at the wetlands and small stream where we typically walk, the sound of the spring peepers was deafening. Enroute a few crocuses poked their purple heads above the leaf litter. Even so, piles of snow still linger in ditches and shrink slowly into black, dirty ice.
After I began this evening's practice I fleetingly wondered whether I'd already performed my practice earlier today. That's how my life's been lately ... one day flowing into the next without hesitation or pause.
Later in the practice I realized that I was moving through Anchor Step Taffy with relaxed ease. Anchor Step has always been one of my least-favorite movements. Today--ta da!--it felt different, more flowing. It was a shock--and a welcome surprise--since I'd hoped to feel more comfortable with it for a number of years. It just wasn't happening.
I often tell my classes that they'll probably find certain movements in the form that they enjoy more or feel more comfortable performing. Other moves may be harder, more challenging. I encourage students to keep practicing because, as I've found, eventually my sense of the movement changes and I gain greater comfort and ease as I move through it. Indeed, after many years of practice, Anchor Step Taffy is reshaping itself ... from effort to effortlessness.
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Pillows and Blankies
Excellent timing tonight ... I taught my continuing t'ai chi chih moving meditation class in Washburn then drove six blocks to attend the Bayfield County Board meeting regarding the Shadow Wood Landing rezone. I arrived about 75 minutes after the meeting started and, although Shadow Wood was one of the early agenda items, I still managed to hear almost two hours of public testimony and offer a brief statement myself.
The timing was exceptional because it provided me with the opportunity to relax along with my students as I taught my class. The sense of peace and relaxation that pervaded the classroom also put me in a positive frame of mind to attend the Board meeting and, once the rezone was approved despite our testimony in opposition (30+ people), I went home knowing that I had done my best. You can't ask for more than that now can you?
During my TCC class session I turned with my back to the room to lead students through the Taffies and Working the Pulley. When I turned back to face them, the first thought that came to mind was this: I'm going to have to start bringing pillows and blankies for my students. It looks like we all need to take a nap immediately after this class.
It's tremendously encouraging to see how relaxed and at ease my students become during and after our practice sessions. And, as I told my students, it feels as if we're giving each other permission--providing a support group, if you will--to be quiet. In our culture of speed, sound, success, and excess, that is a rare and wonderful thing.
The timing was exceptional because it provided me with the opportunity to relax along with my students as I taught my class. The sense of peace and relaxation that pervaded the classroom also put me in a positive frame of mind to attend the Board meeting and, once the rezone was approved despite our testimony in opposition (30+ people), I went home knowing that I had done my best. You can't ask for more than that now can you?
During my TCC class session I turned with my back to the room to lead students through the Taffies and Working the Pulley. When I turned back to face them, the first thought that came to mind was this: I'm going to have to start bringing pillows and blankies for my students. It looks like we all need to take a nap immediately after this class.
It's tremendously encouraging to see how relaxed and at ease my students become during and after our practice sessions. And, as I told my students, it feels as if we're giving each other permission--providing a support group, if you will--to be quiet. In our culture of speed, sound, success, and excess, that is a rare and wonderful thing.
Monday, March 29, 2010
Get Out of the Car
It's a blowy, leaf fluttering day. I just finished practice outside on the deck with the sound of my neighbors--the songbirds--serenading me.
Frances and I worked hard this past week to educate and activate people in the region regarding a proposed zoning change that goes before the Bayfield County Board tomorrow night. The developers of this project hope to turn 380 acres of forested land into a jet-capable runway with a boutique hotel, condos, and upscale single family housing.
Designed for an elite clientele its main benefit to the community appears to be the potential for low-paying jobs (which, in our struggling Town, is considered a benefit over no jobs). If approved, Shadow Wood Landing paves the way for large-scale development here in the middle of the woods as well as in other locations throughout Bayfield County.
Silence--and bird song--have been several of the greatest treasures I've experienced living in my woodsy home. I'm opposed to this rezone request and I needed to get involved ... to actually do something.
Needless to say, my engine is running on overdrive. T'ai chi chih moving meditation allows me to downshift to a cruising speed instead of continually circling the track as if I were behind the wheel in a high speed race. Too many thoughts, too much struggle, and too many doubts return me to my practice everyday. And it is here--in the midst of my practice--that I rediscover the peace and silence that called me to this form 16 years ago.
T'ai chi chih is so much more than a simple gift of light and life. In my case, and in the aforementioned instance, it's like a speed trap that reminds me to slow down and get out of the car.
Frances and I worked hard this past week to educate and activate people in the region regarding a proposed zoning change that goes before the Bayfield County Board tomorrow night. The developers of this project hope to turn 380 acres of forested land into a jet-capable runway with a boutique hotel, condos, and upscale single family housing.
Designed for an elite clientele its main benefit to the community appears to be the potential for low-paying jobs (which, in our struggling Town, is considered a benefit over no jobs). If approved, Shadow Wood Landing paves the way for large-scale development here in the middle of the woods as well as in other locations throughout Bayfield County.
Silence--and bird song--have been several of the greatest treasures I've experienced living in my woodsy home. I'm opposed to this rezone request and I needed to get involved ... to actually do something.
Needless to say, my engine is running on overdrive. T'ai chi chih moving meditation allows me to downshift to a cruising speed instead of continually circling the track as if I were behind the wheel in a high speed race. Too many thoughts, too much struggle, and too many doubts return me to my practice everyday. And it is here--in the midst of my practice--that I rediscover the peace and silence that called me to this form 16 years ago.
T'ai chi chih is so much more than a simple gift of light and life. In my case, and in the aforementioned instance, it's like a speed trap that reminds me to slow down and get out of the car.
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Seeds of Silence
Whew. Mid-afternoon silent TCC practice. Frances is out of the house, the cat and dog are asleep, and the house is quiet. I move in lone, sole peacefulness.
I feel the energy of the silence. It's a wonderful calm after five days of busyness and business. At one point in my practice I hear the loud roar of a truck motor as it passes the bottom of our driveway. Otherwise ... the quiet is palpable.
My palms pulse with energy, especially when I carry the ball through the first portion of Platter Variation. Softly I rest my mind, let it slow, almost stop. Breathe.
After my final bow I'm off to a seed savers' gathering at an organic farm in the orchard area about eight miles from our home. What a wonderful collection of people, seeds, homemade food, drink, and conversation. It's been a good, full day. T'ai chi chih moving meditation reminds me that, by returning to silence, I bring a healing balance to my life.
I feel the energy of the silence. It's a wonderful calm after five days of busyness and business. At one point in my practice I hear the loud roar of a truck motor as it passes the bottom of our driveway. Otherwise ... the quiet is palpable.
My palms pulse with energy, especially when I carry the ball through the first portion of Platter Variation. Softly I rest my mind, let it slow, almost stop. Breathe.
After my final bow I'm off to a seed savers' gathering at an organic farm in the orchard area about eight miles from our home. What a wonderful collection of people, seeds, homemade food, drink, and conversation. It's been a good, full day. T'ai chi chih moving meditation reminds me that, by returning to silence, I bring a healing balance to my life.
Ending the Day with T'ai Chi Chih Practice
Hello Reflection. Tonight's late night practice invited me to watch my alternate self move in the darkened glass of the patio door.
It's always good to check-in with myself to see how I look as I move. Tonight it was fun to note the changes and corrections that I've incorporated into my practice following the late January TCC retreat in Minnesota. Initially the refinements felt foreign and artificial; now they feel relaxed, natural, commonplace.
After another all-too-busy day with no computer accessibility this late night practice slowed me down and soothed my soul. I'm a morning person which means that by this time of night I've become a woman of few words with even fewer brain cells firing.
This commitment to blog daily, though, pushes me to practice on days when I might otherwise go to bed, exhausted. I still go to bed exhausted but now I feel relaxed and satisfied knowing that I finished my day with a t'ai chi chih practice. Yawn.
It's always good to check-in with myself to see how I look as I move. Tonight it was fun to note the changes and corrections that I've incorporated into my practice following the late January TCC retreat in Minnesota. Initially the refinements felt foreign and artificial; now they feel relaxed, natural, commonplace.
After another all-too-busy day with no computer accessibility this late night practice slowed me down and soothed my soul. I'm a morning person which means that by this time of night I've become a woman of few words with even fewer brain cells firing.
This commitment to blog daily, though, pushes me to practice on days when I might otherwise go to bed, exhausted. I still go to bed exhausted but now I feel relaxed and satisfied knowing that I finished my day with a t'ai chi chih practice. Yawn.
Saturday, March 27, 2010
Ultimate Relaxation
Friday, March 26, 2009, 9:10 pm
After a full day--and limited progress--I gave up on Frances' and my afternoon-long project and gave in to TCC practice.
Ahhh. The energy ... felt ... so ... good.
After I began my practice I realized how appropriate it was to abandon my frustrations to the ethers and, instead, pull in energy from Earth and Sky.
It was the right decision. Now I'm so relaxed I can barely keep my eyes open or move my hand across the page.
Frances continues to devote herself to the aforementioned project via computer and I sense I can't stay awake long enough to enter my blog. Just remember: I came ... I saw ... I practiced ... and I went to bed.
After a full day--and limited progress--I gave up on Frances' and my afternoon-long project and gave in to TCC practice.
Ahhh. The energy ... felt ... so ... good.
After I began my practice I realized how appropriate it was to abandon my frustrations to the ethers and, instead, pull in energy from Earth and Sky.
It was the right decision. Now I'm so relaxed I can barely keep my eyes open or move my hand across the page.
Frances continues to devote herself to the aforementioned project via computer and I sense I can't stay awake long enough to enter my blog. Just remember: I came ... I saw ... I practiced ... and I went to bed.
Thursday, March 25, 2010
How Wonder-Full...
Yup. A strong blow of air passed through the area last night and returned us to typical spring temperatures. It was five degrees when I got up this AM. Temps rose to 20ish--ah, that cool spring breeze in the face--and, at dinner time, the thermostat reads ten.
I was shocked back into my winter coat as I headed for my final TCC class in Cornucopia this morning. The group practice felt wonder-full. Our small group--there were four students today--passed silently through the movements and ended with smiles all around during the Healing Sounds.
Our reading of the Tao, Verse 54, was entitled Living as if Your Life Makes a Difference. Wayne Dyer writes, in part (p. 264):
In class I'm deeply aware of the distinct transformation that occurs in our bodies and and minds as reflected through our movements when we travel together through the form. Simply by practicing, we transform ourselves ... and the planet. When we practice, alone or in a group, we release the ego self and reconnect with the love and peace that are part of our essential nature.
That's one major reason I keep returning, again and again, to my TCC practice. How wonder-full to believe that my movements toward wholeness, my Bird Flaps Its Wings, my Daughter on the Mountain Top, my Working the Pulley, my Passing Clouds create a vibration that echoes across the Universe....
I was shocked back into my winter coat as I headed for my final TCC class in Cornucopia this morning. The group practice felt wonder-full. Our small group--there were four students today--passed silently through the movements and ended with smiles all around during the Healing Sounds.
Our reading of the Tao, Verse 54, was entitled Living as if Your Life Makes a Difference. Wayne Dyer writes, in part (p. 264):
It's said that when a butterfly flaps its wings, that energy flows thousands of miles away. Therefore, everything you think and do extends outward and multiplies. Live your life knowing that the difference you choose to make is toward wholeness.... Be conscious of how very much you matter to all of creation.Several students acknowledged that they are not that conscious of how much they matter to the world. I asked the class: For you personally, what role does TCC--and your decision to learn and practice it--play in transforming yourself and the planet? Yes, someone said, TCC practice does help me pay attention and see, think, and experience things differently.
In class I'm deeply aware of the distinct transformation that occurs in our bodies and and minds as reflected through our movements when we travel together through the form. Simply by practicing, we transform ourselves ... and the planet. When we practice, alone or in a group, we release the ego self and reconnect with the love and peace that are part of our essential nature.
That's one major reason I keep returning, again and again, to my TCC practice. How wonder-full to believe that my movements toward wholeness, my Bird Flaps Its Wings, my Daughter on the Mountain Top, my Working the Pulley, my Passing Clouds create a vibration that echoes across the Universe....
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