A Surprised Blessing: Seated TCC

One week before my second intermediate class of T’ai Chi Chih with Bill Moore was to begin, I tripped up a flight of slate steps and came down very hard on my knees. I considered not going to the first class, as I knew my re-injured left knee would not tolerate the practice. But I showed up to explain the situation, with the idea I would fully participate the following week. However, Bill encouraged me to stay in the class and practice the movements sitting down.

In prior classes a woman always practiced sitting in a chair, and I must admit that I felt a bit sorry for her. Little did I know that I was about to be taught a lesson through this, as I was now humbled to be in the same position. After being instructed to use my lower spine to softly flow with continuity while seated, I stuck it out. What an experience. I now no longer had to focus on the soles of my feet, since the energy seemed naturally grounded in the lower half of my body. I felt a deeper awareness of the Chi flowing. The following week I sat next to the seated woman and did the movements. I mentioned to Bill that it would be a good idea for everyone to do the movements seated once. I can’t wait to go to class today to continue my practice.