TCC for Meditators

For the last three years I have enjoyed doing T’ai Chi Chih with a Buddhist meditation community, have taught classes at a neighborhood church and then invited longer-term practitioners to my house for a group practice, followed by a 20-minute silent meditation. The results of which have been deep and rewarding. 

Meditators bring a deep understanding that out of stillness and silence we can touch the spiritual. Even though I continue to offer some reminders and corrections during the practice, we basically move together following the energetic rhythm of the routine. We deepen our silence as we sink into each shift, “allowing the Chi to do the work.”

After TCC, we slide onto chairs or the couch, feet on the floor, allowing the energy to continue to settle into our bones, our tan t’ien, and to root into the soles of our feet. Although seated and still, the rhythm from shifting my weight during TCC continues to inform my breath, which gets slower and more relaxed. My mind no longer seeks distractive thoughts. It seems as though TCC allows more direct access to the present and spiritual connection we seek in sitting meditation. When the bell rings, our eyes open to a brighter world, a more centered way of being and an intimate connection to ourselves and each other.

Below are comments by fellow participants:

“The weekly group sessions at Linda’s home and my daily practice work together as a mainstay, a calm point of my day.” – Karen Dereszynski

“I experience TCC as meditation. Its flowing, rhythmic movements cultivate a centered, peaceful and calm mind.” – Lloyd McReynolds 

“The TCC sessions are a wonderful source of community and spiritual practice.” – Shelley Minden

“There is no better way to prepare for the week ahead than our Monday morning meetings. Our Chi flows, increased by the presence of each other. Our minds are peaceful and full of gratitude after completing the meditation. We are revitalized and energized to better face the world.” – Ali Baker

“I joined a Kalyana Mitta group that did TCC in order to deepen my practice. (Kalyana mitta means ‘spiritual friend’ in Pali.) TCC movements are a meditation in and of themselves and as we move together, I become focused and connected in spirit to those with whom I move. When we settle into meditation, my “monkey mind” is already quieted; the Chi we have moved is grounding and unmistakable. These past few years of TCC practice have carried me through some of the most difficult periods of my life, moving my ‘stuck’ places in the wordless communion of intention and movement.” – Barbara Peterson

“My meditation and TCC practice complement each other. In both, I maintain a relaxed and focused awareness. In meditation the focus is on my breath; in TCC it’s on my feet or tan t’ien. When I lose focus due to wandering thoughts, I gently bring my awareness back to the present moment. In both practices, gratitude naturally arises and a deep bow ends each session, a bow to my teachers, sangha and TCC practice group.” – Jean Kasota