TCC in Nature

Practicing T’ai Chi Chih (TCC) outdoors allows us to directly engage with and experience the natural environment. We can experience a more direct connection to performing the movements, as well as a deeper appreciation for Nature.

Many times, you may have heard your TCC instructor explaining a specific movement using analogies from Nature. For example, the hand movement in Bird Flaps its Wings is similar to a bird flapping its wings outward. Another example is the Nature-inspired names of a specific TCC movements, such as Daughter on the Mountaintop and Daughter in the Valley and how the hand movements convey wilderness imagery.

The associations made between the physical movements and Nature seem a natural fit and can help students understand how to move or pose during practice sessions. Additionally, doing your TCC practice in Nature can be a more relaxing setting. Nature can help take our focus away from our daily routines and worries and encourage us to take a break. As Oliver Herzfeld (T’ai Chi Foundation, 2024) said:

“In our increasingly frenetic and digitally based world, finding ways of connecting with Nature is an excellent way to ground yourself, reduce stress and gain perspective amid the chaos of life.”

In the practice of TCC, grounding is a common theme and performing your practice in Nature can enhance your awareness of the actual ground you are standing on, emphasizing your connection with Earth. It can also enhance your relationship to Nature, making you more aware of what is happening right outside your door. Focus on finding the right spot to practice, as the ground may be uneven or rocky. Sometimes practicing on an uneven terrain may force one to focus on balance while performing a practice.

Performing a TCC practice outdoors for the first time can be intimidating. Some practitioners have a hard time tuning out man-made sounds like traffic, pedestrians, etc. One thing that may help is to focus on the sounds of Nature. For example, focus on the sound of the birds or the sound of the wind. Even indoors, you can incorporate Nature into your TCC practice by opening a window or door while you practice inside.

Incorporating the natural environment into your practice may provide a new twist to your TCC routine. It can enhance your connection and grounding to the Earth. Additionally, it can help you further examine your own performance of the movements. Performing TCC in Nature can deepen your connection to and appreciation for the Chi that is all around us.