Students Flowing From Emptiness

Complied by Donna McElhose, Wildwood, Illinois

I asked my advanced students to write about the theme of next year’s T’ai Chi Chih conference, Flowing from Emptiness. These are some of their thoughts:

“In Heightened Awareness, Justin Stones writes: “For one to follow the methods of this book in working toward heightened awareness … it is necessary to ‘empty the cup.’ A full cup will hold no more.’ I consider what I’d like to remove from my cup (fear, worry, envy, resentment, anger, disappointment, busyness) to make room for gratitude, love, sharing. Then I realize my error. Again, my cup fills, this time with anticipation, expectation, a prelude to disappointment. By seeking, I may miss what (if anything) comes. Better to be empty.” – Gloria G.

“No thought, no mind, no problems. Focusing on the soles of the feet. Yinning and yanging, one leg in emptiness while the other leg full. Emptiness of weight. Weightlessness in the forward and back movements. Flowing from the tan t’ien. No effort, a slow steady swim through air.” – Kathy L.

“Before I begin a practice, I take a few moments to clear my mind, let go of preoccupations of the day, be completely present and empty my thoughts.” – Tracy I.

“’From the state of emptiness, each man’s body is a body pervading the universe, his voice is a voice filing the universe and his life is a life without limit.’ Living and acting without clinging, without compulsion and without a seeking heart, is the task of Zen practices. Maybe Justin means doing TCC without thought, just flowing.” – Nancy L.

Silence, nothingness

Void of thought

Searching for guidance

Grounding

Surge of energy

Bursts into softness

Movement begins

Ignited by intention

The body responds

Sensing the Joy of Movement

The flow of gratitude

– Jan K.