My TCC Shadow & Me

A few movements into my morning practice I realized I was not alone. The sun was coming through the window just right. My shadow appeared as a partner in front of me, a student if you will. I could observe her movements without getting ego into it … and offer corrections. She did not appear to be “me.” (It was very different from watching one’s self in a mirror.)

The first thing I noticed was her complete weight shift: slow and even movements with no rushing. That was good. Fingers were softly fluttering as she moved. Knees were deeply bent in the close, but my “student” seemed to be rushing the close. Calling that to her attention: hold 3, 4, 5 seconds, now release. As she completed graceful conclusion, there was a gentle fluttering of the fingers as she let go. Standing upright and relaxed for a couple breaths, I watched her prepare for the next movement.

As we began Perpetual Motion, the area rug made a straight line with the hard wood floor allowing my student to line herself up. I could clearly see her head stay at the same level as she moved from side to side. There was no bobbing from the shadow.

Working the Pulley easily showed the hand going back, up and over (Justin’s favorite refrain when he always demonstrated that movement at Carmen’s retreats). I reminded “Shadow” to keep her head facing forward as the front and back foot swiveled, thus facilitating the hip swivel and effortless fluid movement.

Although my shadow did need a few gentle corrections throughout our practice, I was so pleased to have had a perfect view of each movement. It was a total joy to share my morning practice and the Chi with her. I think we both learned a lot.