Heightened Awareness (May 2012 Memorial Issue)

It may seem strange to those who do not comprehend, but as one progresses, he begins to live more and more intuitively.

The version of the Great Circle Meditation to be taught here is a simplified one and slightly different from what I have taught in other books.

No Matter
How Small
A Drop of Water
It Reflects
The Entire Moon

Being aware is sentience. Plants probably have it in a muted form; in rocks it is mostly latent. Yet the hills are vibrant with life and the trees seem to sing the Glory of Creation. In truth there is nothing that is not alive, pointing to One Life and One Essence. Underneath the rhythmic sounds of the Indian music we have one unchanging note droning on. As we attain a heightened awareness, perhaps the music of the spheres will be heard and the earth will be felt to turn gently on its axis. The rain will bring with it hints of things to come as renewed life bursts into bloom. What a glorious outlook we may share!

The first thing I want you to do when you get this book is to WATCH YOUR POSTURE and frequently determine your STATE OF MIND.

Zen says: When the horse in Szechwan catches cold, the cow in Hunan sneezes.”

I am so very grateful to him for this practice and also for the pyramid form of poetry. My faith tells me that he is closer to each of us than ever before. So, what I say to myself, I say to all: “Practice TCC with great reverence” and “Turn your thoughts to JOY!”

– Alice Holden, San Antonio, TX

Thank you, Justin. Your Chi is still in the universe, and we will continue to share you and T’ai Chi Chih with all we meet. What love!

– Terry Slaney, Sugar Grove, IL

The core of my life has been soften by continued mastering [of] the gentle movements of the inner discipline called T’ai Chi Chih: Joy Thru Movement. Your legacy to humankind will be passed on by the crowning “jewels of TCC – its teachers.” Thank you, Justin. With deep respect.

– Rose J. Alvarez-Diosdado, Las Cruces, NM

I never planned to be a teacher, but the Universe provides us a path if we chose to follow. After learning and practicing T’ai Chi Chih I began wanting to be of service to others by sharing the peace and joy through movement I have found when doing TCC. When I went to teacher training and met Justin I was moved and inspired by his desire that TCC not become a business, that it a gift to humanity. I honor this wish through my volunteer teaching of TCC, and I am thankful we have been blessed to have had Justin as our guide and leader for so many years. May we all continue to honor his gift to humanity through our practices of TCC.

– May Swanson, Phoenix, AZ

The tapestry of each person’s life is woven in secret, and only the Great One knows the full measure of its beauty and worth. The threads of your life, Justin, have created a rich and varied tapestry for all to see. Those of us privileged to know you are blessed with the deep and vital practice of T’ai Chi Chih. Sharing this moving meditation with others has given us all a blessing of joy and wellbeing that is beyond measure. Love and gratitude.

– Linda Braga, Castro Valley, CA