High in the Desert

Under the brilliant starry sky before daybreak, I softly close the door of our RV and walk through cacti, palo verde, brittle bush, cholla, iron wood and mesquite to my special place, my energy vortex. A few gentle stones, randomly set on the edge of my circle. The sand is softer here, with the larger pebbles moved to the sides. Facing east toward Golden Gate Mountain with the sky brightening, I sink in and focus on my breath as I center myself. 

I begin Rocking Motion slowly, not counting. Bringing my attention to my feet, I rock and move the Chi through my meridians. I become aware of the doves calling softly, cactus wrens joining in. As I get to Pulling Taffy, the resident pack of coyotes begin their song and I smile. Joy. Joy through Movement, joy through awareness of the vibrant life surrounding me. When I get to Cosmic Consciousness pose, the sky is pink at the horizon. 

I have practiced in this same spot for several years here in Tucson, where my husband and I have been campground hosts. From November through April the temperature in the morning has averaged around 50 degrees. On many mornings I wear the same clothing that I would wear in the northern Midwest where we have a home – wool socks, wool jacket and gloves, hat and neck gaiter. When it is warm enough I practice barefoot to feel the earth beneath me. 

Before COVID-19, I taught T’ai Chi Chih classes every winter here. This is the first year that I was not asked to teach. I did practice TCC with a woman who has been part of every class I’ve taught there since 2016. I miss the classes and the students. Hopefully next year will allow a freer atmosphere. 

We return to the Northland this week, trading cacti and coyotes for birch trees and loons. There I practice at dawn at the edge of the front lawn next to the bank, looking out toward the lake, facing east. Chipmunks skip across the stone border at the top of the embankment a few feet away from me. Occasionally a brave one will pause and, as if on a dare, will dash within inches of my feet. A loon in the middle of the still lake will create a bit of magic with a beautiful echoing song.

TCC has offered a remarkable connection to Nature and Self. I become so much a part of the natural world. TCC brings a heightened sense of our mutual connection to all of Life. Raising our awareness through TCC practice is the greatest gift we give to ourselves and to our world. I remember that as our outer world gets crazier by the day, and as we lose freedoms. I focus on light, love and Chi. May we all have the best year ever.