Balancing Mind & Body Brings Steam

In practicing Light at the Top of the Head at a conference, Sr. Antonia suggested that, instead of rising on my toes prematurely, I let my knees (as they straighten) facilitate the rise of the body first. She observed that I was losing my balance as I rose on my toes too quickly and could not hold it there. I came home from the conference and started integrating that idea into my practice. The natural flow and balance of the movement returned.

Then this spring I attended a weekend retreat with Sr. Antonia only to hear her say to the group, “As you move forward in Rocking Motion let your knees straighten fully before the heels rise.” I realized at that moment here it was again, that I needed to listen again because I was totally unaware of this sequence happening in my practice. I may have been aware of it as I moved back and allowed the toes to rise, but I was not aware as I moved forward. I spoke aloud about my lack of awareness. This admission of imperfection seemed integral to the process of change. Now, at home, as I am mindful of my knees straightening before the heel rises, my sense of balance has improved, and I notice increased flow of the Chi.

To become aware of, and to give full value to, all the parts of a movement is a vital part of attaining balance. When equal attention is given to the entire sequence of a movement, there is a sense of completion in both directions. When I was diminishing the participation of my knees, I was limiting the expression of the yin and yang both mentally and physically. Sometimes we know what we need to do but we don’t quite know how to get there.

In some Chinese traditions the mind is thought of as water and the body as fire. When they work together, they produce steam. This reminds me that the mind and body must both be fully present in my movements before balance and the flow of Chi can be achieved.

I also have heard other teachers speak of the importance of softness in the knees.Since I have become open to learning this lesson from Sr. Antonia, I can experience this softness in a way I was not able to before.

When the body and mind are flowing fully as one, there is completion, there is balance, and there is steam.

Seniors Balancing

By Jerry Bumbalough, Greenfield, CA

Since I started teaching T’ai Chi Chih in September 2005, the majority of my students have been seniors. It seems that seniors stay in contact with each other, and when a few discover something that they feel is good for them, or that they enjoy, they tell their friends. This is a good thing. TCC fills a gap in lives that might need some gaps filled.

My teaching begins with trying to reduce stress. Stress causes 70 percent of human illness and we must learn to relax. Tension blocks the flow of Chi and with that blockage, TCC may not be learned. I also emphasize balance. Without stress, balance can be learned. Before a step is taken forward or sideways, I insist that a student be balanced completely on one leg. [Editor’s note: This can be difficult for seniors, so please be careful here.] If balance is not attained, a correct step in any direction cannot be taken. We practice balancing and learn that skill as babies, and that skill must be relearned in some seniors. We hear of so many falls by seniors and I have found that the balancing skill learned in class by seniors has prevented many of their falls. So, as I begin, it is: “Starting position, balance, and then step. Imagine that you are placing your heel into a puddle of water and you cannot make a ripple. You cannot do this unless you are balanced and can place you heel down gently.” I apply the same principle when returning the foot to the starting position. Balance, step. Balance, finish. If a senior has real balance problems, I have them place a chair on one side, and with this they learn to trust themselves to balance and eventually do not need the chair. Self-confidence is a key factor. Those using walkers use two chairs because they have used the walker for so long. However, they eventually go from two chairs, to one and, bless their hearts, you should see the look on their faces when they announce that they do not need the chairs! So … balance, then step; balance and then step. And do you know what? In our own personal lives, if we are balanced before we step, it is a solid move.

When seniors have learned to balance pretty well, we learn Rocking Motion. If we keep that “stack of quarters” (our spine) straight and do not spill the stack, we can move our torso straight up and down, toes and heels, without leaning. Balance helps us to stop leaning. Then, Rocking Motion is a sort of test of balance. And you can feel your arms and torso flowing together.