A Bookend For Abandon Hope: A Message Of Hope

What a treat reading the last Vital Force. It was late, after an unusually busy day, and I was tired and ready for bed. But something called me to pick up the Vital Force and start reading. Justin set the tone for the issue: “I must contribute something worthwhile in this little piece, something approaching the attitude of love.” This is always his attitude. He always tries to bring out the best in all of us. And he has given us the perfect medium to grow in love – T’ai Chi Chih.

Each article had so much depth and love. The honesty with which each article was written moved my heart. Teachers talked about challenges they faced and the gratitude they felt for TCC. Thinking (always the beginning of the problem) was always overcome with doing. TCC is not about doing it any old way but doing it with teh. Believing that many repetitions done carelessly will produce the highest results is ludicrous. We all know the joy when we do the most conscious TCC that we can. In that moment of being fully present, something changes inside us. It helps us release what has kept us from a truly joyful, memorable practice.

The work that is happening gently because of TCC (as Justin says, “without hype and without trying to find the angle”) is the true work of TCC. It isn’t going to happen overnight. Many of us know that what we experienced after 10 years of practice is important but pale in comparison to what is possible. We ebb and flow, knowing the challenges and realizations of letting go. We grow two steps forward and then find we have slipped three steps backward. Perhaps our practice is magical one time, lifeless another. Through it all, the opportunity to practice and learn from the practice is there. This is the message of hope I read in so many articles. This message is what many of us are finding allows us to grow, love, and share the chi.

A Pathway Chosen

By Dorene Krause, Midland Park, NJ

Every pathway chosen begins with one small step

And for whatever reason, no matter the circumstance,

You took one yin-yang step, then another and another.

Awakening the Chi, seeking balance and peace,

You embarked on a journey –

Unaware, I am certain, that this Chi,

Cultivated by your teachers and

Nourished by the energy pervading the universe –

Would guide you here to this place

At this point in time.

You came with your eyes and your hearts wide open.

I listened to your inner voices speak.

I heard and felt your sincerity, integrity,

Your desire to receive and your joy.

I watched your eyes and your faces

Which spoke with no words.

I saw and felt your determination and concentration,

Exhaustion and confusion and again your joy.

As delicate flowers hidden beneath the frozen ground

You waited out the winter patiently,

Quietly receiving,

Nourished by the earth’s energy,

And now for you, spring has arrived.

You have emerged and blossomed –

Strong, yet soft, unique and beautiful

With roots firmly planted, grounded,

Connected with the cosmic rhythm.

Now you are Accredited T’ai Chi Chih instructors,

But your journey has not ended.

It never does.

There is no final destination.

There are more steps to take on this pathway.

You and your practice will continue to evolve.

T’ai Chi Chih changes lives, as it has yours,

And now you will change the lives of others.

You have embraced the essence of T’ai Chi Chih

And it has embraced you.

Your cup is full to overflowing.

Spill forth all that you have experienced

And all that you have become.

Share the gift that you have received.

Welcome to the T’ai Chi Chih community of teachers.