Tan T’ien Awakens My Inner Being

Life can be a challenge — with a sense of being pulled in every direction, spun around, and turned upside down. In the noise and chaos of obligations, responsibilities, and schedules, it is difficult to find a balance physically, mentally, and emotionally. Focus becomes blurred, the body restless, the mind agitated and full of chatter. The clamor is loud and incessant. Everything seems off balance, our footing becomes unstable. How to find that inner stillness, the quiet? Centering and grounding oneself in the practice of T’ai Chi Chih (TCC) and focusing on the tan t’ien (flowing from the center), one of the basic principles of TCC.

Justin said, “The tan t’ien, the spot two inches below the navel, is the all-important place the Chi is stored.” Nammu said, “It represents the center of energy in the body. It is the center of transformation and accumulation of energy in the body. It is also the center of balance from which movement is generated.”

Understanding the tan t’ien

The tan t’ien is the energy center of the body and the navigator of each movement. It is important to become aware of and become acquainted with the tan t’ien, not just in the gentle movements of TCC, but in stillness as well. It brings balance to the practice and balance into our lives. The tan t’ien centers the body, quiets the mind, and brings calming peace. Understand that the tan t’ien is not a spot or a dot; it has dimension like a rounded bowl of accumulated flowing Chi. The tan t’ien is where the energy is stored, a well from which one can draw.

As Julie Barrier-O’Grady, a TCC teacher, says, “The tan t’ien is a sacred sanctuary to be accessed whenever I feel upset, out of sorts or am having a challenging day. I close my eyes, focus on the accumulated sea of energy in the tan t’ien, and know I have a reservoir of positive healing Chi to carry me over to solid ground.”

“Breathing into the tan t’ien energizes us at this core. It also helps us get out of our over-stimulated rational minds. “Tan t’ien breathing is a gateway to peace.” When attention is turned inward, the breath becomes softer yet fuller. The mind’s chatter dissipates; the entire body relaxes as the Chi circulates more freely. The tan t’ien is not an empty space but a living, breathing entity. Breathe from the abdomen ever mindful of the tan t’ien. Keep a forward gaze; be aware of your posture. Feel grounded in the soles of the feet, centered and quiet in the stillness. D. Goddard wrote: “A balanced, inner calmness radiates from a peaceful center.”

In stillness (seated or standing), breathe mindfully and bring awareness into the soles of the feet. With each breath notice the expansion and contraction of the tan t’ien. Feel it expand with each inbreath. It feels as if the spine elongates, and you are sitting or standing taller. Releasing the breath, feel the tan t’ien contract, the mind clear, and the body relax.

In movement, focus on this sea of energy. All movement comes from the tan t’ien and the body moves with the tan t’ien. Become acquainted with the tan t’ien; feel its ebb and flow throughout the practice. When moving correctly, the tan t’ien becomes a breathing entity. Returning to stillness, bring awareness back to the tan t’ien and into the soles of the feet. Breathe. Feel centered, grounded, and calm.

My experience when I focus on the tan t’ien: I can get my mind out of my head and trust the tan t’ien to guide me in my practice and provide a physical and mental centering. This transfers to learning to trust my innate wisdom, listening to my inner voice. I realize renewed strength and confidence. Now I look in the mirror and smile at my own reflection, content with who I am.