A New 20/20

We wanted to incorporate a deep sense of belonging and connection into the 2021 conference. For the 20/20 activity, we gathered 20 experienced teachers to lead small groups in a 20-minute dispersed “whole community” discussion: What does it mean to connect with the tan t’ien? How do we explain “flowing from the center” to students? 

Using seated T’ai Chi Chih (TCC) to feel the tan t’ien was a common theme. Jean Katus and Guy Kent found that when seated, they discovered their tan t’ien easily. Sandy McAlister uses some sitting TCC in the second, third or fourth beginning class so students can feel it rather than focusing on the movements of feet and hands. By having students place one hand over the tan t’ien, we can introduce them to the principle of flowing from this center.

We want to be open to and trusting in the Prajna that can guide us in doing and saying the right things at the right times. But how do we access that wisdom? Carmen Brocklehurst shared that it was 10 years before she realized the Chi flowing down into the tan t’ien. “I started to breathe. I went backwards into myself. It flowed! It went down into this amazing place!” Babies are very connected. When we have a trauma to the body (a spanking, falling out of a tree, learning how to walk), an anxiety builds and creates what she calls a spiritual film which will stop us from getting to our place of wisdom. Don’t try to go into tan t’ien, she suggests. Justin said you are already in the tan t’ien … so just let yourself go deeper. 

As I gathered the comments, I was struck by the number, variety, and creativity of the suggestions. I felt the synchronicity of each thought contributing to a whole. There were way too many gems to include here. See the full writeup at: taichichih.org/conference-2021.

I incorporated the tan t’ien into T’ai Chi Chih (TCC) anew as a direct result of Dan’s presentation at the conference. His demonstration of the direct influence the tan t’ien has on the heel/toes lifts turned on a lightbulb. This awareness has energized my daily practice. My forward and back glide is enhanced and informed by my constant focus on the last bit of movement directed by my tan t’ien.