AHA! Moments & AAH… Moments

As students and teachers of T’ai Chi Chih (TCC), we have experienced what we call AHA! moments and some AAH… moments.

AHA! An interjection used to express satisfaction, triumph, surprise, or discovery, or when you suddenly understand something. In the words of my students:

AHA! I am moving with so little effort that the movement seems to be doing itself.

AHA! I feel the energy between the palms of my hands.

AHA! I can feel the t’an tien expand and contract.

AHA! Now I know where my foot belongs when I take a step forward or to the side.

AHA! My body knows what to do; I do not have to think about it.

AHA! My arms simply flow with the movement of my body.

AHA! I get it now! (Passing Clouds, Working the Pulley, or a “Taffy Movement”).

AHA! I feel myself grounded, and the soles of my feet connected to the earth.

AHA! My balance is so much better.

AAH… An indication of amazement or surprise or enthusiasm; to exclaim in pleasure, joy or relief. What does this have to do with the practice of TCC? Aah! Find out:

AAH… As I exhale the breath down into the soles of the feet and let go.

AAH… As I return to the resting pose feeling grounded and connected to the earth.

AAH… When I feel the movement flow without any effort at all.

AAH… When my arms feel weightless.

AAH… When my softness becomes softer.

AAH… There is such a smooth, easy flow in my weight shift.

AAH… I feel a calm, centered peace in both body and mind.

AAH… All parts of my body are moving together.

AAH… I am breathing easily and mindfully.

AAH… I have come to my “Place of Knowing.”

Justin Stone said, “Awareness is the root of T’ai Chi Chih.” Be aware of your AHA! moments and moments of AAH… in your practice. AHA! Rejoice when you discover something new. Relax with an AAH… It feels so good.