Present Time Awareness

I heard “present time awareness” whispered repeatedly during my T’ai Chi Chih practice this morning. As I noticed this, I also mentally checked-out from time to time.

Often the check-outs are brief. As I observe a squirrel scampering outside my window, I momentarily leave the attention from the soles of the feet. Or I hear sirens in the distance and send a prayer to those in need and those helping. “Oh, it’s so warm and sunny, I’ll go for a nice long walk later.” Present time awareness.

Although the phrase consistently wafted in during practice today, it was gentle and reassuring. There was no judgement or admonishment. Present time awareness gently tapped me on the shoulder and invited me to focus again and again on the soles of the feet or on the tan t’ien.

I thought of the Folsom Prison DVD shown at teacher accreditations when Justin asks the inmates to consider, “Where do I stand now?”

With deep appreciation, I became aware of how much present time awareness guides, encourages, reminds me to pay attention and to focus — moment to moment — on what I’m currently doing, feeling, or thinking. I became more attentive to movement nuances and sank deeper into the practice which felt richer as I surrendered to this companion, this guidance.

As present time awareness blended throughout more of my TCC practice, I smiled remembering that the same thing happens in our practice of life.

How present are we as we flow through our practice of life? Do we catch ourselves as we fast forward mentally into the future? Can we push the reset button (i.e., drop the attention to the soles of the feet and take a nice deep breath) when feeling judgmental or impatient with ourselves or others? Can we let go when we don’t know?

The tools that we cultivate in TCC practice can directly inform and deepen our practice of life by relaxing, breathing, and staying grounded. Present time awareness simply sweetens the deal.