Bamboo, Oak & T’ai Chi Chih

“Our attitudes change and we become more like the bamboo rather than the oak.” – Justin Stone

I have, for a long time, been enamored by the sight of young green bamboos flowing with the cool breeze, gently swaying, softly coming back. At the same time, I have been fascinated by huge oak trees that give me a feeling of safety and protection. But when it comes to attitudes, I have learned much from both.

As I have observed, both the bamboo and the oak need nourishment with water, nutrients, sunlight and more, to grow and to survive. Similarly, whatever attitudes I care for, feed and nourish are the ones that will take root and grow inside of me. For example, if I nurture the attitudes of love and gratitude, of peace and joy, of harmony and balance, every moment of every day… pretty soon, they will grow into a beautiful garden that encompasses not only my heart, but my whole being – body, mind and spirit.

On the other hand, if I harbor little bits and pieces of worry, fear, anger and resentment, then I allow darkness to take over and vanquish my inner light. It is the little bits and pieces that gnaw at me every single day, growing and settling into the depths, turning into loneliness, despair, alienation, separation, numbness and apathy. In the same way, goodness and light bloom and can grow without end, shining with joyful brilliance for all to share. In each moment, I have a choice.

The bamboo bends with the wind and then gently snaps back into place. When I am surrounded by other people’s ideas and thoughts, I need to remember that I always have a choice. It is good to listen to what others have to say, as there is something to be learned from other people’s experiences. However, no one can make me become what I am not. Nor can anyone stop me from realizing who I already am. In my highest self, I am love and joy.

Although the sturdy oak seems to exude more strength and stature, the soft and pliable bamboo outlasts it. Stiffness and hardness block the flow of Chi. I feel it every time I allow tensions to creep in. But when I allow thoughts and emotions to pass by, while staying in the present moment, I feel how T’ai Chi Chih is a very effective moving meditation. This quiet then envelops me and accompanies me throughout my day and night. TCC truly is knowledge of the supreme and ultimate joy through movement.

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Pyramid Poems [available, if needed – if need, just slot in a bunch of xxx’s and I’ll send em right over]

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