The Beginning, Finding Balance
First, take the weight off the foot you want to move.
This entails an awareness of one’s current state, which may require one to first relax.
If possible, slowing down can help one to become aware of any tensions, so that one might have opportunity to not attempt to move when still double-weighted.
If slowing down is not an option, noticing things that disturb the balance might precede the necessary centering from which balanced movement can be achieved.
Physically this allows relaxation and movement from a balanced condition.
When we apply these parameters to our daily activities, our lives may benefit immensely and perhaps allow these activities to proceed more effectively.
This is the real T’ai Chi.
Thus, learning from our imbalances may be a key ingredient to our coming into a more relaxed and balanced state, not only physically, but also transactionally. This might occur as we interact with our world in whatever situations that our lives may bring us.
Two Examples:
- A chess game: A blunder (an obviously bad move) might be just the thing to suggest that one should “Slow down and pay attention.” As Mrs. Chow would put it, “Relax and concentrate.”
- Difficulty finding inspiration: To begin writing this piece, I needed to “Unstick my brain from this somewhat common “Energy block.” This is similar to trying to lift a foot that still has weight on it.
As soon as I slowed down enough to see how I wasn’t in balance, I saw that I had everything I needed.
The extra weight that disturbed my balance was not here and now, but was only one of many possible imagined futures.
I saw that I might use my imagination in a far more positive and creative way.
I found my balance.
Simply put, our challenges might become our Blessings.
When Buddha first achieved enlightenment, it is said that all the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune that befell him on his way were turned into flowers decorating his path.
Not everything is that simple, but many of our difficulties might stem from our lack of balance!
Again, this is the real work, the real T’ai Chi.
The physical form that we learn is only the beginning.
Namaste,
Daniel
