Mental T’ai Chi Chih

During my teacher training in Los Angeles, January 1977, Justin remarked that one could eventually perform the movements of T’ai Chi Chih mentally only, and experience the same generation, circulation and balancing of vital-force. At the time I didn’t really give much consideration to his comment, as I was working hard to properly execute the movements physically, though I had practiced for over a year prior to the course.

After one of our more intensive sessions in which I had been trying to grasp philosophical concepts new to me, I retired to my motel room feeling somewhat psychically fatigued and in need of rest. I laid back on the bed and immediately fell asleep. Next, I was leading the group through T’ai Chi Chih, unaware that I was experiencing a vivid dream. My movements were flawless, effortless and completely natural for the first time. Suddenly I awoke! I lay motionless on the bed feeling strong surges of healing vital-force throughout my body, circulating dynamically like warm fluid bliss. I had only been dreaming, yet was experiencing actual results, more powerful than any I had realized in over a year of regular physical practice. Now Justin’s comment carried validity!

I had not been trying to perform T’ai Chi Chih mentally, but because of our lengthy practice periods during class, I was saturated with it and the momentum carried over into dreamland. Following this unexpected boon, my respect and feelings of reverence for Justin and T’ai Chi Chih elevated automatically, to say the least!