September 11, 2001: Practice on Sept. 11

Practice on Sept. 11

How many times have I stood in my living room and looked out at the beautiful New York skyline, with its magnificent Twin Towers? How easy it is to take things for granted. Today, all I saw were billowing plumes of smoke, and I knew life would never be the same. In rapid succession I felt loss, gratefulness, anger, fear, and a stunned helplessness. How could anyone hate so much?!? I thought about Ed’s words and Dan’s e-mail — “What happens deep inside each of us has an effect on everything outside of us” — and I thought of all of you. I needed to do something, so I put on my most soothing music, faced the billowing smoke, said a prayer for all those I could not see but knew were there, and offered up my T’ai Chi Chih practice for all who were in need. As the Chi flowed stronger and stronger, I asked it to cross the river to those struggling to survive and to those struggling to help them. Passing Clouds opened the floodgates, as a mixture of grief and relief poured out. When I reached the Cosmic Consciousness Pose, I could feel the Chi respond. It was the most satisfying practice I have ever experienced.

I pray all of you and your loved ones are safe and well.

Peace and Love,

– Kathy Starrick
West Paterson, NJ