A Circle of Unity

Editor’s Note: This poem was not written about the conference, but attendees (and all TCC group practitioners) will recognize the feeling.

In June, I planned and invited all my students to attend an evening event called “Circle of Unity.” Individual experiences with T’ai Chi Chih (TCC) were shared. A full practice followed; one inner circle surrounded by another larger, outer circle. There was a calm, powerful energy in the room, a strong connection, one student to another. The entire group simply flowed with “the essence of TCC: softness and continuity.” The practice was followed by refreshments and some time to socialize. These are the words I wrote and shared with them:

“When we gather in a circle, we are surrounded by a universal energy.

With movement, the chi is activated, balanced and circulated.

There is a sense of moving as one within a shared energy space.

The space beside us, in front of us and behind us, is not empty.

There is a synchronous rhythm, a softness, an ease of movement,

an energy that flows in us, through us and around us.

Each movement flows without effort. We connect one to the other

with each weight shift and each circular movement of the arms.

Returning to the soles of the feet, we breathe in the same stillness

and peace. We connect to the same earth beneath us.

The power of the circle creates unity amongst us.”