The Great Circle Meditation: A Profound Supplement

The “Great Circle Meditation” can be a wonderful complement to T’ai Chi Chih. Following our movement routine, we can sit quietly for a few minutes to internally direct the vital-force by utilizing this simple procedure. Justin led the “Great Circle Meditation” during the TCC Teachers’ Conference and many experienced deep peacefulness. A tangible serenity was generated which pervaded the atmosphere of the room, though we had only been practicing for a short time!

Many of you are already familiar with this meditation method and are experiencing the benefits regularly. If it is new to you it can easily be learned from the description in the TCC text, pages 130-133, or in Justin’s book Meditation for Healing, chapter 5.

The “Great Circle Meditation” helps to bring about an inner stillness, by decarbonizing the blood and equalizing the flow of vital-force in the system. This quiets the action of the heart and lungs while reducing restless thought activity. After performing several “orbits” with deep, relaxed concentration, it is best to take time to fully savor the after effects momentum of your action. In other words, be still and inwardly poised following the specific technique in order to reap the results. You may feel subtle currents of joy playing within the spine, an increased sense of awareness and contentment, or any number of sensations and perceptions. (“Carried to the extreme, it could be a way to enlightenment.” – Justin Stone.)