Making deep changes
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.
What is this Chi that seems to be the most important and best-kept secret of life? – Justin F. Stone, TCC Originator
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From the recent issue of The Vital Force:
Evolution: “T’ai Chi and Qigong masters have told us for hundreds of years that we can influence our own evolution by circulating and balancing the Chi in our bodies. We can build up the quality of this Chi through regular practice, working with the Chi internally. People want to influence their present and future lives in positive ways, by eliminating bad habits and establishing positive behaviors. Justin says in his book Heightened Awareness: Toward a Higher Consciousness that ‘through the practice of T’ai Chi Chih, it is possible to speed up evolution, resulting in heightened awareness.’ Why not use TCC to make a positive impact on your evolution? Practice regularly and reap the benefits you seek.” – LB, Castro Valley, CA
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Editor’s Note: Learn more from TCC teachers with more than 25 years of experience in the May issue of The Vital Force.
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Intention: “Every TCC movement is intentional, none more so than how we place our feet. Using slow motion when placing the foot on the floor is a fundamental principle that goes beyond physical balance; it cultivates mindfulness, stability and energy flow. When we lower our foot slowly and deliberately, we train our body to stay rooted and connected to the earth. This enhances our awareness of shifting weight, which is critical for proper posture and internal alignment. Slow movement also helps circulate the Chi, or life energy, more evenly through the body. Placing the foot becomes a practice in grounding, encouraging relaxation and a deeper breath. It also strengthens the legs and improves joint sensitivity, benefitting balance and fluidity over time. It teaches us to move with intention and grace, both in practice and in daily life.” – OO, Rockford, MD
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Instruction: “A suggested curriculum for preparing TCC teacher candidates is now available to all TCC teachers — it’s posted on tcccommunity.net. It was inspired by three key observations within the TCC community: (1) The number of teacher candidates seeking accreditation has declined; (2) Teacher candidates arrive at accreditation with varying levels of preparation, leading to stress for them and others involved in the process; (3) Developing a plan for candidate prep takes time, so providing interested TCC teachers access to a suggested curriculum enables them to begin preparing candidates more quickly and more confidently. Doing TCC is a joy, teaching TCC is a joy, and we hope becoming a teacher can be a joy as well.” – LN, Banbury, England, UK; MD, Loveland, CO; LO, Port Hueneme, CA
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Reflection: A Chinese monk once said, ‘When the mind is transparent and pure as if reflected on the mirror-like surface of the water there is nothing in the world you would dislike. When it is serene as the light breeze in the sunshine there will be no one whom you would like to forget.’ Such serenity is rare in these hectic days. Nevertheless, it is possible. – This passage is from a recorded lecture by Justin. To hear his voice, go to justinstonetcc.com/audio/
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Where in the World have you been doing T’ai Chi Chih? Share your images for our gallery.
Want more inspiration? Want a connection with the global TCC community? Want tips for better practice? Join us:
Subscribe to The Vital Force. Our quarterly journal offers engaging stories, hints, and insights from TCC teachers and students. We also highlight wisdom by, and photos rarely seen of, originator Justin Stone.
