Accepting Change Gracefully

Many of us feel varying degrees of difficulty while dealing with change; the changes life presents us with and necessary changes we must enact. This fall was the first year I experienced the change of season without my customary tendency to feel sad. The transformation of summer into fall can be dramatic in Colorado. The flowers dry and die quickly. The leaves brightly flash a quick change in color and soon drop from the trees, with accompanying cool air that carries the distinct fragrances of autumn.

This year I didn’t feel badly when the flowers began to wither but instead was at peace and even thankful to witness this naturally unfolding cycle of change. Perhaps this new found capacity has been awakened in me through T’ai Chi Chih practice and the contemplation of its principles with regard to the relationship of change and Essence. Recognizing anew the natural order of things filled me with peace and gracious acceptance.

Being rooted and sensitively aware while performing the movements of T’ai Chi Chih is not unlike participating fully in the changes of life without losing the recognition of our Changeless center. Being constant within the changing patterns of life is perhaps the greatest lesson that T’ai Chi Chih has taught me.