Don’t Be Knocked Off Your Feet

The unexpected, like the COVID-19 pandemic, can knock us off our feet. One year ago on July 4, I had this experience while leading a TCC Intensive in Santa Barbara. A small bell on a table stand began to swing, all eyes on it. The floor began shifting in an earthquake. Some of us were a bit shaken for the remainder of that day, but we felt even less secure when it happened again to an even greater degree the following evening. In my room, I noticed that the window blinds were swaying so I quickly stood up to exit the building. But the rolling motion had me grabbing onto the door jamb for security.

Like me, have you had moments in your practice when your balance was suddenly not secure? After we have practiced regularly for some time, we come to appreciate the importance of correct stance, or foot placement. Think of the Eiffel Tower: if not for its broad base, it would likely be unstable. It is wide and massive at the bottom, and tall and upright on top.

We’ve been encouraged (by Justin Stone, and hopefully by our teachers) to do TCC movements in a low stance, and with the feet an appropriate width apart. While older people might have limited knee bend, if they do TCC too tall and with too narrow a stance, they will feel wobbly. For that reason when teaching seniors, I practice with them holding onto the back of a chair (alongside of them) with one hand, placing all the weight on one leg, and then noticing that if they can bend that knee just a little more, then the foot/heel will touch down just a bit further away. (Then we turn around, and reverse with the other foot, holding on with the opposite hand). Once the correct stance is discovered, the lesson is in staying low to remain secure and grounded.

It’s wise to never take your stance for granted. Experiment with different heights and lengths/widths of stance in a movement and feel the difference. Then you’ll always be ready for anything, and not likely to be knocked off your feet.