Transformation & Gratitude

We were gifted with a pupa (a butterfly cocoon) and told that it would open within a couple of days. It was so exciting to witness the transformation and birth of a beautiful black swallowtail butterfly. We put it in a place of honor – on the dining room table so that we would see it every time we walked by. Soon I heard Brock say, “Look we have a butterfly.” Its wings were completely spread and dry so we knew it had only been about 30 minutes since coming out of its cocoon. However, it hadn’t yet tried to fly; it was upside down on the table. We’d been told not to touch it, as that would harm the birthing. This is very much like not touching a person in meditation or while doing T’ai Chi Chih (without their permission), as the shock would be very disorienting.

We got the butterfly outdoors without touching it. But our friend (a TCC teacher) told us that butterflies sometimes climb on her hand, and she can easily move them outside. They must recognize her as a peaceful friend because of her TCC practice. The butterfly finally turned itself over; its first attempt to fly landed it on its back, showing us its beautiful wings. After several more tries the butterfly gently lifted and flew off easily. This is like a new student coming to a TCC class and feeling ungrounded and wobbly. By the middle or end of class they usually feel that TCC is for them. They sometimes feel that they have done TCC before, even though they have never taken a class.

There are many similarities between the birthing of a butterfly and learning and practicing TCC – especially the transformation that takes place within us. The interesting part is that this transformation happens daily in big and little ways. So often a big sense of gratitude manifests for Justin, for having originated this wonderful discipline. What if he had not listened to his inner self and followed a spiritual life? Some may say, “There are other spiritual disciplines I could follow.” This is true, but the beauty is that we were gifted with this discipline. The more I do TCC the more I realized that without it, my being (inside and out) could not possibly be able to continue on a true spiritual path. By true, I mean a path that can open the door to complete freedom.

Justin has wonderful company that supplies special daily help to him. These people have not taken a TCC class and yet their comments to me (and others) include that “Justin is a very special person … I feel honored to be here to help him … I’m glad the care giving company sent me here.” Justin’s way is to help us all, learn to love and share the Chi. Thank you, Justin.