T’ai Chi Chih Weekend

June 1st began a most gorgeous weekend amongst the redwoods at Happy Valley Conference Center in Scott’s Valley. Sunshine warmed us and shade of giant trees cooled us during the day. The nighttime was cool enough for sweats, perfect. There were about 32 of us attending Steve Ridley’s weekend workshop for T’ai Chi Chih and Meditation Intensive.

Being a first time T’ai Chi (er) this was a great opportunity to participate with a spiritual group in action with an experienced teacher. The participants ranged from teachers, practitioners, to beginners. We learned sitting and standing eight pieces of brocade, T’ai Chi warm-ups and cool downs, we learned breathing patterns at various tempos, we did couples practice and extended use of single movements and connecting movements. I thought Steve looked like the wave upon the ocean, his movements are so rhythmic, connective, and fluid. After a session we settled down to learn various meditation techniques; standing, breathing exercises, mantra meditation, Chi K’uan meditation. Steve advised us to be alert during our meditations, preferably sitting upright or standing so we are attentive and ready to receive the benefit of the meditation. We learned some Tibetan Yoga and Kundalini Yoga exercises for rejuvenation. We even did some singing and sharing.

It was a holistic weekend complete with good food, an enthusiastic group leader, warm weather, meaningful exercise, and meditation. I enjoyed meditationg at the outdoor Cathedral of the Redwoods. Several rows of benches face an aged, rustic redwood cross beneath a ring of towering redwoods. A devotional vibration fills the air, aiding the connection with the divine. Let me share with you my gift received during a meditation.

Love in Its Purest Form

Energy currents
churn through bloodstreams
combine in light,
light energy
overflows and explodes in
geysers of upliftment
rainbows encircle everyone,
we are all together now.
Joy fills the air
and I am weightless, as
a dandelion seed
floating on God’s breath.
A world suspended,
sending new life outward
without a care.
Light, transparent, delicate
woven light seeds
blown where Gods breath
whispers,
buoyant in loves purest form.

– Dori Gehr
San Ramon, CA