Reaching Out & Holding Back: Centering Our Practice

Pam Towne (when teaching Seijaku accreditations) often tells of Justin Stone’s coming upon an ancient Chinese writing on the principle of expansion and contraction, which inspired in him the discovery of Seijaku, the advanced form of T’ai Chi Chih.

Justin has written: “Awareness is the root of T’ai Chi Chih.” For me, it is the awareness of expansion and contraction that has been my greatest teacher.

My first awareness came not from my initial exposure to Seijaku. (My first concept was not a correct one, causing me to tense up and become physically exhausted.) Rather it came in viewing the swashbuckler film, “The Mask of Zorro.”

In it, an aging Zorro in his secret cave is teaching a young Zorro-in-training the art of combat. Concentric circles appear on the floor of the cave. The young whipper-snapper is exhausted chasing the old pro. Finally, the master allows the student to rest and catch his breath. Then, he instructs the trainee to stand in the centerof the circles, and to not move out of that inner circle. “Let the enemy come to you – do not reach out to the enemy” is his final admonition. Then, everything changes for the young lad. He discovers his confident center, and feels his core of power. The combat becomes an art of balance, grace, and precision rather than muscular strain and aggression.

I remember my first class after that movie. How I felt myself in that circle, and felt centered in my inner self. How I felt the tan t’ien expand and contract without effort, allowing my arm and leg movements to be an outflow of that dynamic, instead of feeling like I had to do something. I was aware of too big and too small, and observed this in my students.

This awareness now allows me to let go and enjoy the inner discipline rather than focus on the outer appearance. It allows the Chi to express itself freely from the center. Eventually, I got the application to Seijaku, an invaluable tool or way to feel the Seijaku principle in the movements.

In my life, it helps me remain in the present, the center and only Reality – instead of suffering by reaching back into the past or chasing the future. It helps me let go of regret, or fear of what could happen but has not happened.

It is an ongoing process. TCC is a great gift. TCC with Seijaku is an even greater one. Thank you, Justin.