Making Friends with the Chi

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Justin Stone told us that if we make friends with the Chi, we can have a long, healthy, happy life and an easy death. He didn’t just talk about this; he demonstrated it. Justin lived a long healthy, happy life and died at home at the age of 95, surrounded by many people who loved him.

Do you want this? If so, the next question is: how do you make friends with the Chi? Think about how you make friends with anyone. You hang out and spend time with them. You get to know them and their preferences. You look for things you have in common that you can share.

You hang out with the Chi every time you do your T’ai Chi Chih practice since the movements are designed to stimulate, circulate and balance the Life Force. The Chi responds to softness, continuity, openness and receptivity.

It’s no wonder that teachers emphasize the importance of moving with softness and continuity in TCC practice. When you are uptight, your muscles contract and restrict the flow of Chi as it moves through the meridian channels of the body. When you relax, soften and let go of tension, the flow of Chi is enhanced.

Smooth, continuous, flowing movements facilitate smooth, continuous, flowing Chi. Feeling the slow, gradual shifting of your weight filling your front foot then the back foot over and over again promotes evenness and continuity. Focusing in the soles of the feet ensures an even flow of Chi throughout the entire body.

Relaxing the wrists can increase the flow of Chi through them. You might experiment with flexing your wrists a little more, starting with Rocking Motion.

Allow your waist to turn more freely as you shift your weight from side-to-side. After TCC practice you could sit quietly for five to ten minutes, being open to receive.

What other ways can you think of to make friends with the Chi? Have you ever felt tingles go up your spine listening to powerful music? The Battle Hymn of the Republic always does that for me. Or while watching a beautiful sunset or other scene in Nature? Hearing children’s laughter? Petting a dog or purring kitty? Whatever brings you joy, love or peace, do more of that, knowing that you are making friends with the Chi.