Creating

After attending a recent weekend retreat in Albuquerque, I was quite moved and am taking my practice more seriously now that I realize it is such a good way to get in touch with our true selves. I have been a busy bee for so many years (I’m 60 now) and have hardly slowed down enough to stay in any one moment for any length of time at all. And thus much joy has been missed in my life. I feel glimpses of that now, and it started with the retreat. I’m an artist and when I came home I decided to paint a picture of what the discovery of a more alert and aware self looked like on canvas. The result was this painting I call “Vital Force.” I also offer a sonnet entitled “T’ai Chi Chih Rocking Motion.”

In rocking motion, I do feel the Chi

As I stay within the flow of sweet control

Fingers flutter as my hands move smoothly

My feet are moving but they do not stroll.

Rocking up on heels and lifting toes in place

Makes someone really feel a true release

As stress and tension drains from body’s space

Replaced with steady calm and increased peace.

All practice will bring constant healing joy

And benefits for all to keep for life

It’s magical and not a silly toy

So use it as you would a gentle fife.

Make music with your body and the Chi

And you will gain in personality.