Unity

Editor’s Note: This was written prior to the conference.

Editor’s Note: This was written prior to the conference.

At the end of July, the T’ai Chi Chih (TCC) community is celebrating its 50th anniversary in Albuquerque, New Mexico. It will be the first in-person teacher conference since the world shut down which is certainly cause for celebration in and of itself. Add to that, the 50-year anniversary aspect and let the festivities begin.

Upon reflecting on the topic of unity, several things occur to me. Where is there unity in my TCC practice? Certainly, when I remain in the soles of the feet and flow from the tan t’ien, there is unity between the upper and lower body. The movements become seamless as the entire body glides in sync. The arms are not rushing the process or large and in charge, but rather are flowing in time with the weight shift. Often, one can feel the unity of the movements when one is paying attention.

The same is true when one is flowing without unity. If the mind is racing, wandering or the body is simply on automatic pilot, the body tends not to flow with unity. Effort can creep in when one is not mindful. The movements can become mechanical and artificial as the Chi flow is restricted. Often, one can feel the dis-unity of the movements when one is paying attention.

Where is there unity within the TCC community? Clearly and especially at conference when 135-plus teachers move in sync, the unity is palpable and something to behold. Seeing the buffet of choices for Zoom classes and practices across the country (and even internationally) is another dimension of unity within the TCC community. The TCC resources including the Vital Force, the Albuquerque TCC Newsletter, the Guide’s newsletter, and the various websites and social media platforms provide many opportunities to connect and unite globally. Receiving texts, emails and Whatsapp messages from fellow TCC teachers and students can be unifying, especially if they are supportive, encouraging, or clarifying.

The aforementioned are perhaps obvious forms of unity within the TCC community. Let us delve into nuances of unity or dis-unity that may or may not be seen, but sometimes can be felt when we pay attention. We’ve heard it said that energy follows thought. Just like we send and receive emails, consider that our thoughts work as if we are sending and receiving energy mails (i.e. Chi-mails) to others.

When I think of someone with gratitude, deep respect and joy, I undoubtedly am sending them Chi-mails that match those high vibration feelings-Unity. Have you ever been thinking about someone and they end up calling you? Perhaps the Chi-mail was received on a conscious level from that person. What if I find myself judging or critically discussing someone? Aren’t I sending Chi-mails to them that match the lower vibration? Does this contribute to unity or put a dent in it?

Since we all are deeply involved in this practice of circulating and balancing energy, let us delve more deeply into being aware of when we are sending Chi-mails that unite or not. What a nice intention to circulate and balance (and unite) the group Chi when we take individual responsibility. With those kinds of Chi-mails being sent within the community, I can only imagine what the next 50 years of TCC will be.