Following The Chi (November 2019)

What do we mean when we say we are whole, we are one? I began my T’ai Chi Chih journey in 2011 at the Big Sky Retreat, where Carmen led 30-minute movement sessions each morning. She patterned the movements for us, and we followed as best we could. Determined to get further training and having just completed an Albuquerque retreat, I know that the more I practice and refine my movements, the more there is to learn.

Many people think TCC is about physical movement, and certainly one cannot achieve mastery without perfecting the physical expression. But TCC is more than physical movements.

When one enters into prayer, words are important, but beyond words there must be intent and sincerity. Where do those words go when they are spoken? While practicing my prayer discipline, my state of consciousness is key when speaking the words. When I calm myself and become still, I am then ready to speak the prayer. In my experience, TCC requires the same state of mind as prayer, and in fact, I believe that TCC is a form of prayer. The practice is the physical expression of the state of oneness and wholeness. When you have experienced consciousness beyond the physical, you understand the essence and power of TCC. A quiet mind and the softness of TCC movements allow the Chi to make its presence felt in the hands, heart and entire body.

Resistance – physical, mental or emotional – blocks Chi from flowing. Old stress and fear energy must be released for Chi to flow freely. As Chi is the essence of the energy of life, we must be open and receptive to it. We must remove our small selves from the path.

This week, we practiced the movements intensely and practiced letting go of resistance. I experienced the flow of Chi in my hands, feet and entire body. The power of the retreat’s focused energy was sent out as a unifying force. Peace and oneness, focused within our synchronized movements, was sent out as a wave of love.