You and Your Tool Box

or The 20 Tools of T’ai Chi Chih

or Always Available TCC Tools

By Sandy McAlister, Hayward, CA

Did you know each of us as teachers and students of T’ai Chi Chih carry with us, at all times, a tool box? This box contains 20 implements designed to bring about change, growth and reshaping. When a quick attitude adjustment is needed we go to our box and choose several tools that, when used with attention, can do wonders. In just a few minutes of use, emotions calm, the body relaxes, the mind clears. For bigger jobs we work daily using all the tools for an overall reshaping of our being. The beauty of this form is in its flexibility. Besides a daily practice of the complete form (which I call a formal practice) that brings about deep long lasting changes, some of the movements can be used throughout the day to help you deal with everyday annoyances, situations or frustrations.

So next time you need to focus in, warm-up, cool down, let go, shut off, smile, gear-up, soften or just enjoy life a little more, open up your tool box, take out a few of your favorite tools and to work in the most enjoyable way I know.