Does The Earth Stop Blooming?

Intensive with Pam Towne in Ringwood, NJ; April 15-18, 2010

By Dan Pienciak, Howell, NJ

In recalling the April intensive, I am reminded of several “Blooming the Flower” publications, which tell of the beneficial and wonderful experiences of T’ai Chi Chih practitioners. “Blooming” is an appropriate expression of what was happening for each of the participants here. Each day the world outside exhibited more of the fullness of life within that had been asleep but not inactive all winter. Likewise for the students and teachers attending, the flow and ease and softness of the movements became more evident as the days progressed.

But as dedicated practitioners know, the evolution experienced externally in the movements does not come from copying what one sees or practicing by rote over and over again until one has it. The maturing of the practice comes only from the deep development of inner strength, understanding and surrender from within one’s self.

As I tended to my garden following this intensive, I was reminded of the growth process in my practice. When I plant a perennial, it will take time to root and become established. Only when well rooted does it suddenly grow and bloom and reach the beauty that one envisions when it was first planted. Watering, pruning, protecting and feeding are often necessary to manifest that fullness.

One of our local teachers often uses the clever and wise expression, “In-TEH-nsive.” Justin has often spoken and written about this quality of inner sincerity (teh), which draws one to TCC in the first place, and then continues to ground, support and motivate us to deepen our practice. All of this was quite evident at this event. Participants brought humility, openness and sincerity, along with quiet determination that slowly gave way from needing to get it right to allowing and surrendering to a process. Trying to force progress is not the way. Self-criticism is not the way. Rather, giving ourselves every opportunity to grow in our practice is a big part of the way. We were very grateful to Justin Stone for giving us this practice, to Pam Towne for her most sincere and well-planned instruction, and to one another for all that we are.

I remember reading as newly accredited teacher that the depths of TCC can never be entirely plumbed. That has stuck with me through thirteen years of teaching. Does the earth ever stop blooming?

Another participant offers this: “Flow from the center” … “the effort of no effort” … “let T’ai Chi Chih teach you T’ai Chi Chih” … I’ve been chasing these concepts and trying to incorporate them into my practice for so long. Then, on the last day of this intensive, I experienced a great “ah hah” moment. Each of these concepts is about trust. Trust means knowing that my mind, body and spirit are part of something vast, an immensity of order moving by itself in accordance with cosmic laws. All celestial phenomena are moving around centers in circular formations, continuously and smoothly, with ease and grace. Through conditioning I have become out of sync with the nature of my own being. Society, education and family have taught me to distrust outcomes that I’m not controlling. I use my thinking to initiate activities and for guidance. Suddenly, I have awakened from a hypnotic trance. I am speeding through my days; TCC slows me down. I remember lying in bed watching clouds move past a skylight. I lifted my arms to imitate the clouds, as I rolled from side-to-side. I trusted the clouds to teach me how to move. Why not find my way home to a bed of comfort in harmony with a heavenly flow, in which I too roll effortlessly through my own space and time.”