Why I Practice (November 2010)

After retiring and moving to Hertford, I read of an opportunity to learn T’ai Chi Chih from Harriet Marquit. It was time to try it, and after a clumsy start I gradually completed the eight lessons. The reward (or dessert) was joining Harriet and others for TCC practice on the docks at the local marina. As I silently practiced throughout the summer, I was blessed by the water’s movement, the wind (we learned to anchor our hats), actual passing clouds, jumping fish and curious birds (wondering if we were trying to fly). Of course people visiting the marina noticed us and hesitated (or stared) before continuing. Perhaps they thought they stumbled upon a mystical dance … or even a religious cult, but regular marina users have grown accustomed to our presence.

Once I become centered and focused during that special time of internal silence and slow gentle movements, I become aware of our oneness with all of nature, a growing feeling of well-being and a special connectedness with our fellow humans. Pausing at the end of the routine to experience tingling in our fingers (and sharing that energy with others) is proof that we leave practice with renewed vigor for the day.

Working the Pulley

I remember thinking when this move was first introduced to me that it was similar to the swimming movement of doing the “crawl” (although if I did that while actually trying to swim, I would surely drown). It soon became clear that the better image was “working the pulley” – alternately pushing forward with one hand/arm at a time. I like the repeated theme throughout the entire T’ai Chi Chih sequence of pushing away what is negative and inviting the positive of the universe to replace it.