Resting In A Boise Sunrise

Blue Cross of Idaho believes in wellness, and they have graciously allowed me to offer T’ai Chi Chih classes to fellow employees. The one small gym available for this is filled with kettlebells, boot camps and Zumba at the end of the workday. TCC sessions are for those who want to start the day with a 6:45 a.m. class. In the winter we assemble in the darkness; we begin our practices and instruction in various states of wakefulness. One November morning we enjoyed a magnificent sunrise over the Boise foothills, a blue sky contrasting with orange reflections of a not-quite-risen sun on clouds. It was “A Bronco Sunrise” (Boise State), said one student, fully absorbing the beauty of our surroundings. There are days when the flow of Chi is stronger than others, when there is no need to visualize energy flowing into my fingertips during Pulling in the Energy … because I feel it strongly from the group.

The somewhat drowsy and often harried (due to attempting to get to class on time) students find themselves at peace and relaxed as we end our lessons. Cosmic Consciousness Pose starts in a subtle and gentle manner with the left heel gently rising to the right ankle bone balancing 60/40 more on the right foot. Raising the arms slowly and gracefully towards the face, palms inward. Remembering the right hand is farther away, and the thumbs are up. It’s a time for smiles, quiet gratitude and some deep, slow breaths. It’s a time to think about the joy of the practice and perhaps regret that the workday is at hand. When ready, the arms come down, the feet resume their original position, and we again find ourselves in the rest position.