A Solid Foundation Allows Us To Shine & Grow

This is the 45th year of the existence of T’ai Chi Chih. In that time a solid foundation has developed. TCC has proven itself to be a practice of multi-level benefits with far-reaching impact on those who practice regularly.

At a recent TCC retreat I facilitated, those present were asked why they practice TCC. Some comments include: “the inner peace I feel … I can take it with me wherever I go … simplicity and no frills … opens me to connection with others … enhances my presence and own self-worth … it is invitational … it is healing emotionally … I become more aware and appreciative of what’s around me … I find it centering and grounding … it has improved my health and made my life more comfortable.”

Several people mentioned that they noticed an increase of awareness of the world around them and experienced a more open approach to others. What one person liked was the experience of practicing in a group and wherever the group was geographically, “we all do it the same,” while another person said, “every time it is different.” These two statements point out the beauty of the practice. No matter where you travel and find a TCC class or someone practicing TCC, the movements will always be the same. And while we each do the same weight shifts and hand pattern movements, moving in accordance with the principles, we will experience the practice differently, internally and emotionally. We each receive a gift from the practice that is tailored to our essence.

TCC has weathered some big changes over the years: the death of the originator Justin Stone; changes in leadership; the transformation of Good Karma Publishing (the company that brought us Justin’s works of music, DVDs and books) from publishing tangible materials to having all of Justin’s materials available free online. And yet the practice continues. We continue our yearly teacher conference, educational events of workshops, retreats and teacher accreditations. The Albuquerque Center, The Vital Force quarterly journal of TCC and the International TCC Foundation continue to support the TCC community.

When a storm blows and thunders around us we come back to our center and ground. The practice anchors us with an inner stillness and clarity, allowing the storm to pass by, and we remain flexible to the changes. It is all about the practice.

I think sometimes we don’t take ourselves seriously enough. It is time for TCC to come out of the shadows and let its light shine. I’ve heard our practice referred to, with some derision as “created by a Westerner” or “not the real Tai Chi” or “easy Tai Chi.” Over time Tai Chi in China adapted and changed as different families and teachers gained a following. It is not unusual for Tai Chi teachers who come to this country to change the form to make it more adaptable to Western learning. Justin did the same thing, adapting from his experience of learning and teaching Tai Chi, to create a way of moving to circulate and balance energy that is accessible for almost anyone to learn – T’ai Chi Chih.

Many of our teachers teach to particular groups dealing with health issues, such as cancer support groups or people with Parkinson’s. Last October a newly formed organization, the International Medical Tai Chi and Qigong Association held their first conference. Three of our teachers attended to ascertain if, in what way, this group may be of benefit to TCC teachers and the promotion of TCC. It sounds very promising. See the article on page 7.

The last Saturday in April each year is World Tai Chi & Qigong Day. We are missing the boat if we do not take advantage of this opportunity to showcase TCC publicly. Gather a group and spread the Chi.

Teachers, be confident in yourself, knowing that you have done the work to pass on this practice. It is a continuous journey of learning, experiencing and sharing. Be humble knowing you will never have all the answers or move perfectly; yet be vocal and active in your search for deeper understanding.

Always a student, be open to trying and exploring various ways to move and feel the practice. We do not all feel the same sensations or have the same experiences. Over time our bodies have accumulated experiences, injuries and health issues which demand of us to be aware and adapt. A way of moving that works for one person may not work for another.

At some point we may have had an injury and our body adjusted to protect the vulnerable area. Yet when we healed, we continued (sometimes unconsciously) to protect the past injured area when there is no longer any need to do so. This can limit the full use of our ability that we may now have. We may still move with fear when there is no longer any need to protect. Don’t let unwarranted fear hold you back from your potential.

The same goes for TCC. Are we holding back in some way, afraid that if we mix with other organizations TCC will become polluted or diluted? This may have been a fear in the early years of TCC before a firm foundation developed, but now that fear is unwarranted. It is important to keep the form clean and clear, not mixing other practices into our teaching of TCC, but we have established a firm foundation and it is time to let TCC shine and grow.