My Love For Pulling Taffy

Why do I love Pulling Taffy so much? Probably because by the time I get to this movement, I am deeply involved in the practice. I love the circularity in the turn of the waist because when my left arm was in a cast, it was one of the movements I could do best.

What do I tell my students about it? To stay grounded all the way through the shift from side-to-side and to let the yin leg straighten. There is no need to hurry and no need to lift the foot too early on. Therefore, it will not become a leaning affair or a dance.

I also advise my students to allow the waist and the hips to circle around, to have fun swirling from one side to the other, allowing the tan t’ien to check every possible point of that internal ellipse. We form some sort of an ellipse with our waist, which is our core being, our tan t’ien.

By the time we are in the middle of the shift of the weight, the sticky part of the pull is done and the hands continue on their way. The hand going out is turned up to the sun with the elbows close to the body without being tight. The other hand going down has the palm turn toward the earth and settles close to the thigh like in a graceful conclusion.

Above all, I let my students know the importance of finding the circularity, the ellipse and the hip swivel from the tan tien. One should stay rooted and connected so the movement does not become a visible dance. Feel the stickiness in the pull of the hands, and let one hand turn to the heavens and the other towards the earth. Feel the rhythmic movement inside. Enjoy, in joy.

>>>>>>>>>>>

Pyramid Poems

“Beyond Beginners” (Dianne, Harriet, Irene, Norma and Sheila) express why they keep coming back:

Chi

softness

just flowing

from my centre

so gently

let go

ah

still

seeking

the effort

of no effort

relaxing

learning

gift

soft 

pulling

energy

rocking motion

following

flowing

still

sink

rocking

circular

from the centre

gently flow

shifting

weight

calm

clearing

body-mind

sending healing

to others

and for

self

just

feels good

doing it

group energy

time for self

will be

back

goal

far off

comes closer

accomplishment

fulfilling

happen-

ing

>>>>>>>>>>

A Request Reminder From Justin

“Justin will be 93 years old in a few months. Since scores of letters remain unanswered, and reach far beyond his ability to answer them in detail, he asks that his students, teachers and friends refrain from writing to him for the time being as he conserves his energy. Thank you!”