No Carbon Footprint

There has been much press about not leaving a negative footprint on the Earth. As T’ai Chi Chih teachers, we have the opportunity to leave our own special footprint. Each time we talk about, teach, or simply do our daily practice we are leaving a mark. This occurred to me when I changed a routine. Instead of holding regular classes this week, twelve of us tightly gathered in my home studio and did a TCC practice together. A late arriving student said that when she opened the door it felt like walking into a vacuum of energy. The Chi was palpable. After the practice, at the urging of a student, we stayed in our circle to reflect on their experience of TCC and what our learning together meant. They did the talking, and it was very special and, at times, emotional. (Each person had been doing TCC for well more than a year.) Comments included: getting in touch with their spirituality, learning about generosity, noticing details, seeing the joy in things, being able to stick with something for the first time, staying more grounded and centered with family members, and gaining improved health and physical balance. It seemed that each was getting exactly what he or she needed. Much gratitude was expressed. All agreed that TCC had made a measurable difference in their lives. Even though some were meeting each other for the first time, no one was afraid to speak openly and step into their feelings. TCC had created a safe haven for authenticity, sharing, and personal growth. Not a bad footprint to leave behind.