Relationships

We all have relationships with family, friends, and professional colleagues. If we value our relationships we nurture them. We work at them; we spend time developing them. Often we take them for granted until a crisis occurs. Only then does it becomes apparent how important they are and that we need to take an active part in maintaining them.

As we learn and practice T’ai Chi Chih we begin another relationship. We will each develop our own personal connection to the form. As we give time and focus to the practice of TCC, it gives back to us in ways specific to our needs. A give and give (rather than give and take) bond is formed. Give yourself to your TCC practice and it gives to you.

Many times at TCC teacher training courses I have witnessed the power of that give-give relationship. Candidates come to a course and leave behind aspects of their lives that often define them – work, family, responsibilities, friends. For that week candidates are not saddled with worldly expectations and are able to be present in their true nature. They are able to connect more deeply with their TCC practice because they have let go of their armor, their life’s baggage. Their focus is clear. When TCC practice is approached with such openness it allows us to peel away more layers – to feel, touch, and experience the true essence of who we are. Receiving glimpses of our true nature is a life-altering gift.

We don’t need to go to a teacher training course to have a deep experience with TCC. We need only approach our practice with openness and focus. If we look at our practice as a relationship we treasure, we will respect and honor it, not taking it for granted. We will never do a careless TCC practice. We will practice mindfully, whether it be a 20-minute or a 50-minute practice. When we nurture and work at our practice by becoming softer, flowing effortlessly, grounding, and generally applying the principles mindfully (with feeling-awareness rather than a calculating mind), we are strengthening our relationship with our TCC practice. As we give ourselves to our practice the blessings we receive are boundless. The joy is endless.

Release & Let Go

By Pam Towne, Oceanside, CA

The spring equinox is a good time to set intentions for what we most want to create for the year. This spring I set intentions around letting go of anything that no longer served the highest good. In a burst of spring housecleaning, I consciously cleaned out closets, drawers and desks, letting go of clutter and things I no longer used.

Apparently I wasn’t thorough enough. I had occasion to release some additional things when a burglar left with most of my jewelry. It was surprisingly easy to let go of possessions that used to be very dear to me. More difficult was releasing my beloved cat, Claire, who disappeared that day.

In T’ai Chi Chih we are reminded to let go of tensions (so that we flow softly) and of thoughts (so that the mind becomes still). Justin has often said that softness means letting go. In Seijaku, the advanced form of TCC, it is even more important to completely let go of all muscular effort as we return to absolute softness. This lesson of releasing has many applications in our daily lives.

I am so grateful for my TCC and Seijaku practice. They have served me well over so many years. These are keepers.