New Awareness Through Closer Movement Examination

My initial thought about Pulling in the Energy (PITE)? It’s not one of my favorite movements. It might be easier to write about a something else. But perhaps by more closely examining PITE, I’d discover more about my relationship with it. Perhaps I would sink into the movement in a new and different way. I geared up for the challenge.

I’ve heard PITE taught as an upside down version of Around the Platter. Yes, it looks like that and yet, it’s an entirely different movement. When I begin PITE with palms turned upward, the position of my hands alone speaks volumes. During this movement, I am open to Chi, change, stars, new ideas. I am open to flow and balance in a way that differentiates this movement.

Maybe this has been the root of my resistance to PITE – a movement I’ve often done more with my thoughts. Maybe my resistance to sinking into the movement has actually been resistance to being open to change. What if the change my hands say I’m open to is not the change I want? What if these new ideas cause me to question strongly held beliefs? What if I am asked to change in ways that make me no longer be me?

Writing these questions make them seem like silly questions. Of course, by doing Tʼai Chi Chih I will change. Certainly, strongly held beliefs will be questioned. Clearly, the changes that come will not take me away from myself – but will, instead, bring me closer to who I am. And yet, there is a resistance. Have you felt this yourself? Through thoughtful examination of PITE, I’ve discovered a blockage to the flow of Chi. I know that this new awareness will enhance my practice of TCC and I am grateful.

This is also the only movement for which Justin has told us we can use a visualization. Imagining energy coming from the most distant star into our fingertips is a powerful visualization. Yet, there is more to the movement.

Neither liking nor disliking a movement has anything to do with, I believe, the flow of Chi. I don’t believe Chi cares about such matters. The purpose of all the movements, despite the interference of thought, is to move and balance the Chi.