Deepening, Quieting, Becoming
T’ai Chi Chih is a mindfulness moving meditation practice that’s easy to learn. The series of 19 movements and one pose helps circulate the Vital Energy, the Chi. Practitioners experience peace, improved health and many more benefits. Our free monthly e-newsletter offers inspiration between issues of the TCC quarterly journal, The Vital Force, in which teachers and students tell stories about ways they’ve benefited from the practice.
Have you done TCC today? Once or twice? – Justin F. Stone, TCC Originator
From a recent issue of The Vital Force:
Deepening Chi: “I’ve had the delightful opportunity to experience TCC via Zoom and it’s been transformational. My personal experience of the Chi has grown exponentially because of a daily practice. I’ve found it too easy to skip practice when on my own, but when practicing with a group – even a remote group – my practice is more frequent and consistent. It’s also nice to see other participants. I’ve practiced in my bedroom, office, daughter’s house, outdoors, and in another city. All I need is my mobile device! I can count on my teacher and fellow participants to be there virtually and in spirit. I’m very thankful for how the Chi has deepened.” – MKC, Wichita, KS
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Finding stillness: “A pandemic has altered our ability to act and interact. During times like this it’s essential to find our emotional footing and there’s no better way than through TCC. Justin wrote that you can chase your shadow all day long and never catch it. But if you stand still under the noonday sun, your shadow will merge with the body with no effort. This is the effort of no effort, and much of our TCC practice is to find that place of effortless stillness that essentially engages all things. To find a firm footing is to stand effortlessly in that place of the “noonday sun” in movement and in stillness.” – RD, Tulsa, OK
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Becoming content: “What would my life be like if TCC hadn’t found me? I try to imagine: More stress? More illness? Ungrateful for good things in my life? Unable to cope with change? Holding onto resentments? The fact is, TCC did find me, and when I entered into this relationship, my life began to change little by little. I have a deep contentment, along with an unshakable faith that all will be well. Now that I’m a teacher, I’ve been entrusted with passing along this incredible gift from Justin Stone. I’m sobered by the responsibility and realize how lucky I am to share the most important thing in my life.” – M, Forest Grove, OR
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Practicing joy: Now you have learned the movements of TCC. It is necessary to practice them regularly, not hard to do when you begin to realize how joyous such practice can be. Here are a few tips to remember as you do each movement: Rocking Motion is a good way to loosen up and get the Chi to start flowing. Be sure the arms (fingers, wrists, elbows and shoulders) are loose. Keep the knees soft as you rock forward, and up and down, and back. Coming down, don’t forget to land flat on the feet before lifting the toes; it is easier than rocking back on the heels. Do not raise the balls of the feet. – Justin F. Stone excerpted from the T’ai Chi Chih Photo Text, available in print and e-book formats
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Want more inspiration? Want connection with the global TCC community? Want tips for a better practice? Join us:
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