Time and T’ai Chi Chih

Do you find yourself having too many things to do in a limited amount of time? Do you seem to “run short” of time? Given the very busy lifestyles that most westerners lead, it is not surprising that we seem always to be cramped for time.

Many people in this part of the world do not know how to relax, to just “be,” to allow the body and mind to be still. We tend to fill every moment with something–whether productive or not. The work ethic is so strong that we lose sight of the fact that, through true relaxation, quietness, and stillness, we can actually be more effective in our work and in our play. We can be more total human beings.

T’ai Chi Chih, as we all know, is one of the easiest ways to truly allow the mind and body to relax naturally. It is absolutely necessary that we give ourselves that opportunity every day, not only for its own sake but also for the other benefits we receive. As Justin has said, “The purpose of meditation is to meditate.” One of those side benefits is the effectiveness that comes into our lives as a result of allowing T’ai Chi Chih to happen.

By giving ourselves totally to T’ai Chi Chih, we have the calmness, serenity, unhurried manner to re-enter our daily activities in a more productive way. We cease worrying about whether there is enough time for things that need to be done. We know that there is, indeed, enough time. By balancing the relaxation of T’ai Chi Chih with the activity that we each face every day, our “busy”-ness can take on a new aspect and not seem quite so hurried. Time doesn’t have to overwhelm us: by giving ourselves a little extra time every day with T’ai Chi Chih, we actually make our “other” time more effective and productive.

– Jean Katus
Fort Yates, ND