TCC Strength & Habit Energies

When I was introduced to T’ai Chi Chih in 1989, I did not realize how valuable this was, or the growth that would take place, and how quietly it would support me right where I was physically, emotionally and spiritually.

It gave me permission to choose to be present in softness, something I’d never experienced. In the awareness and presence of softness, a quiet inner strength worked to allow me to slow down enough to feel. Feel what? The many painful memories stored and stuffed, choices made, behaviors, thought patterns and so on. We all have our stories. I called these “bad habits.” Looking back I see the arc of growth over the years.

At the Minnesota conference last year, Marie Dotts gave a presentation on “working through your habit energies.” I shared the information with my TCC class, and asked if we could do things differently.

I noticed over the years that my students would come into the room and stand in the same place week after week. I invited them to pick a different space, as I did. It felt different for all of us. I observed my students at different angles. The students acknowledged, that yes, we are creatures of habit. We also entered and left the room in silence, a mini retreat if you will.

The words “let go” are easy to say, yet hard to do. But when we surrender, that “quiet inner strength” sets in. That maintains a deeper connection to who and what we are; it’s been there waiting. Trust the process and see what awaits you.

I continue to do what I can to stay present daily, to stay attuned to my feelings, to create a space for growth and healing, to let who and what I am live in love and truth.