Shifting Sands

While on a Florida beach this past summer, I had an opportunity to do a T’ai Chi Chih practice. Of course, it was not easy with the sand shifting under my feet. It was late in the evening and not many people were on the beach. I soon found my balance in the shifting sand and enjoyed the sunset practice.

During the TCC conference in August, I was reminded of my experience on the beach. Daniel Pienciak was one of the leaders of small groups helping attendees with particular movements. Daniel’s task was to lead us in looking at and experiencing a different way of being at rest. Several people had mentioned to me earlier that this way of coming to a rest was not comfortable for them. Instead of keeping the hands in the usual restful position, they were hung to the side. In some cases, the feet shifted as if to help the body to be even more relaxed.

Someone spoke up, “So, we are changing the way Justin Stone did the restful position.” Those who had adapted to this different way of coming to the restful position came forward with their defenses. The challenge was to see the refinement as not being significant. Those rebelling countered, “Oh, yes it is.”

During this same session, I found myself moving closer to Daniel so I could hear him better since I have a hearing deficit. A much younger person came in front of me and, without saying a word, pushed me back into the circle. I was interfering with this person’s vision and hearing.

Changes occur. We live in a world of shifting sands. We can either adapt or live in denial. Accept limitations; stay in the circle. Try something different as long as it does not change basic principles. Be open to diversity. Be flexible. Focus on the soles of the feet even in shifting sands.