Renewable Energy

In T’ai Chi Chih practice and in life, I feel several helpful concepts I’ve collected from other teachers coalescing. (April Leffler likened facing our habit energies to training a puppy, reminding it over and over to “Come here. Sit. Stay.”) I pondered this. Come here is an invitation back to the present. Sit reminds me to let go and stop anticipating. Stay feels like a call to connect, to anchor in the feet and tan t‘ien, and engage at a (new to me) level of prajna, rather than letting the mind drive. 

We are like plug-in hybrid cars. When the mind is in control, the gas pedal is the flow of adrenaline. It’s quick and packs a punch. Adrenaline is great when needed, but not inexhaustible; I’ve learned the hard way not to be a lead foot on that pedal. 

Carmen Brocklehurst reminded me not to go away when I practice, and to stop trying. Marie Dotts talked about staying connected and plugging into the feet. Caroline Guilott demonstrated that in Bird Flaps its Wings, you plug into the two points at the front of the foot, like prongs into an outlet, providing stability to the center while the wrists circle. I could finally let go and enjoy the movement. The last gem was hidden in Anchor Taffy: April’s suggestion was to “fully sink before you shift your weight; let go more.” Sinking lower and plugging in anchors me in my body and allows my center to be the engine, the power source.

When I engage the tan t‘ien, it’s like running on electricity, on Chi. It’s quieter, more efficient, with less fumes. It’s regenerative. I get better mileage and can go farther. However, batteries for electric engines need recharging or the power source will run empty.

To plug in, I need to practice with attention. I must regularly disengage the gasoline engine and charge the electric battery. My mind makes excuses and sees limitations. I’m learning to shift from a mind in gear (always on guard and ready to act) to neutral (ready if needed, but without hovering over the accelerator). “You’re fine, Lisa. You’re okay. Don’t go away. Come. Sit. Stay.”