Last month’s writing initiated discourse on the coordination
and synchronization of separate movements, patterns of movements, and, finally,
separate systems, into a whole, coherent cloth. Today I continue along these
lines, first with some other physical examples, and then to some thoughts of a
more speculative nature, addressing possible applications to growth, evolution,
and healing. Again, it is suggested that you take what is useful to you at this
point, and disregard, or perhaps store the rest for a time when it might have
practical rather than mere philosophical use for you.
Stillness in Motion
Some examples of the coordination of simple movements:
The Punch – As the fist is moved forward in front of you,
the wrist straightens, allowing the alignment of the fist to remain “still” in
relation to the sides of the room. As the fist is pulled back to the body, the
wrist bends, keeping this same stillness in motion. A carpenter sawing through
a piece of wood uses this same coordination to keep the saw blade alignment
from changing and binding in the cut.
Drawing back the foot – At the end of the first round hand,
after turning, the foot is drawn back by turning the hip outward, which would
turn the foot outward 45 degrees. As the hip is rotated, (while balancing on the
other foot), the foot is rotated inward at the same rate, keeping the alignment
of the foot stationary with respect to the walls of the room, (or compass
directions, if outside). This leaves the foot alignment in position to step
forward in the next part of the movement. (These movements are far more easily
demonstrated than described in words.) As working with legs requires balance,
the hand and arm exercises are more easily assimilated by beginners.
Awareness and Prayer
(for Barrett Eagle
Bear, 1949 - 2014)
The more my T’ai Chi evolves, the more it seems to be about
Awareness. As we become more aware of how we move, Opportunities to facilitate
our goals can present themselves. If we don’t see things, we are powerless to
do anything about them.
The T’ai Chi of our lives continually presents us with
the lessons which are our next step. Sometimes these steps are not easy for us,
and have to be presented to us more than once before we “Get the message”. This
path, which may not be for everyone, can be facilitated through prayer.
“Prayer” here can be viewed as a powerful way of
communicating with our unconscious – and perhaps this language might be found
more acceptable to those of atheistic or agnostic beliefs. I am using the
terminology here to discuss very practical and empirical issues, and a belief
in a God or Gods is not required to benefit from the discourse.
For those
comfortable with Theistic language, the idea that “God is in each of us”, or
“God made man in his own image”, might provide additional insight. Our T’ai Chi
practice can be viewed as just such a prayer.
It has been said that sometimes God might whisper in our
ear. If we don’t get the message, then he might tap us on the shoulder. If we
still don’t get it, he might have to hit us with a two by four. (A 2x4 is a
large stick). This could be applied to our personal lives and habits, and just
as easily might refer to something like global warming.
Connecting with the
Greater System
(Service)
By connecting through our actions with that which is larger
than ourselves, we begin to operate on a level with energies available which
are directly proportional to the size of the entity we serve, or participate as
a part of. The Garudas which protect this energy from misuse can be seen as
personal demons which may be outgrown as we evolve. Selfish (Ego driven) action
blocks our connection to these healing energies because it gets in the way of
the flow of Chi through the larger organism.
Powerful Prayer
Around 1994, when I started participating in Traditional
Sweat Lodge Ceremony, Fernando told me that it wasn’t enough just to pray for
what you wanted. He said that one needs to include in one’s prayers the phrase
“I am ready”, not just “I want this”, but “I want this (growth), and I am ready
for it”. Although I didn’t realize it then, this can be a key, when prayers are
offered sincerely, to powerful prayer. (A word of caution: This kind of
prayer may initiate some necessary but very difficult lessons, and place one on
a path much steeper than the one that one has been following up to this point.)
(See the earlier article Comfort vs. Growth.) The path of the warrior is not
for all.
Prayer is facilitated through our actions. It has been said
that “Actions speak louder than words”. This maxim can certainly be applied to
prayer. The prayers of one who serves the Greater Good and leaves the world a
better place for their having passed through it are very special, whatever
their lineage. I will miss my friend Barrett, who taught me much and helped me and
many others to find our way.
Mitake Oyasin
(All My Relations),
Daniel
