Flowing With The Knees, Not Fearing With The Knees

Knees can be a cause of pain for many, especially as we grow older. Some have even used knee discomfort as a reason for not practicing T’ai Chi Chih. I began experiencing knee pain in normal life activities some twenty years ago. I was told it was probably do to the figure skating that did in my late twenties and early thirties. It came to a point where I took a painkiller many nights upon retiring in order to sleep.

I am convinced that TCC has proved to be therapeutic for my knees, at times almost miraculously so. The lessening of pain was noticed after a few months of practicing TCC following my first beginner class. Since then, my knees very rarely act up. (Usually it’s my own fault for not being more careful.)

The idea of placing almost all of one’s bodyweight on one leg can be intimidating for a person who has knee pain. I have found that the simplest solution for a beginner who struggles with this is to encourage a smaller step with less knee bend in the weight shift, until the student becomes more comfortable.

While some older people may need to stay with that in their practice, it may not be a permanent solution for one who really wants to get more out of TCC.

A primary principle of how to move in TCC is softness, which Justin Stone taught means lack of tension. If we anticipate discomfort or fear placing the weight on the leg, the joints and muscles will tense up and make things worse.

So I try to get across the idea of letting go in the knees and letting all the weight settle downward into the sole of the foot (while relaxing the foot) when shifting the weight. In other words, do not hold on with the leg, but let it soften. I find that the knee will almost release a sigh of relief.

The idea of leading the weight shift forward or to the side with the knee can also help. We are taught to do TCC mostly from the waist down. Being aware that the foot is placed is a position so that the knee can glide out over the toes, with the whole body being led in that direction, can really help bring the feeling of flowing from the center, and not moving with the upper body. As the weight arrives on the foot and the knee lets go, feel if the weight is evenly distributed in the whole sole of foot (in those movements where the weight shifts forward or to the side onto one foot), not more into the front of the foot near the toes or more back on the heels. (Rocking Motion is an exception.)

If we make friends with our knees, we can really flow in our practice instead of stirring up fear. Soften and feel the joy in TCC.