Reflections on Teaching the Principles and Art of T’ai Chi Ch’uan (Part 2)

Ode to Gravity

 

Prompted by the gravitas of recent months, really years, I feel increasingly drawn to teach about Gravity – with gravitas, and enthusiasm. For several decades now, I have been focusing in my T’ai Chi teaching on the natural physical laws on earth. They are universal. Gravitational force, momentum, change of yin & yang, flow of energy, balance and counterbalance. Simple, elemental and cosmic, these laws are affecting all of us with their Form and Function, Principles and Art. In grave times, gravitas is necessary. In return, gravitas might offer us the revelation of our true lightness. Perhaps. Let me guide you into the realm of paradoxes and possibilities.

 

In T’ai Chi, as in life, we are always engaged in the great dance with Gravity. We might not be aware of it, but undeniably Gravity is present at all times. It limits us seemingly. Unconsciously, we might try to defy or fight it. We hold ourselves up, but this habit renders us rigid, tight, stagnant, out of balance, heavy and tired. Too much energy is wasted on tension. Obstruction, blockage, and pain manifest. When we however relax into gravity’s embrace, we are magically falling into Alignment. “Suspended from the head top” our spine will lengthen, the joints open, and our “chi” can flow. Gravity’s pull generates energy. When hanging, no adjusting is necessary. We glide with Least Effort from our center in the Tan Tien (belly). Gravity anchors, grounds and holds us in life on earth. Reliably it keeps our feet to the ground, so that our roots can grow deep eventually. This Surrender to a force bigger than us – welcoming it and letting it fall through our bones and being – is not easy. It rather is a path connecting us with the bigger web of life. Humility and Awe. We let go, over and over again.

 

As humans, we always need to be reminded of humility, an inherent part of the Art of T’ai Chi. Therefore, I teach and practice Bowing – relaxing upper body, rolling the spine forward, only to the waist. Surprisingly the simple moves of T’ai Chi are difficult. Curiosity is needed, dedicating to “I don’t know.”  Facilitating Gravity, we will be gifted Ease. Trees adhere to the principle of gravity by growing roots deep and wide. Therefore, they are able to reach high and wide with their branches and canopy supple and flexible. Trees are great teachers – strength below, flexibility above. In our practice with beginner’s mind, we envision “becoming like a baby” again. And in the end, we just might. Along with maturity and life experience, we now can remember the forgotten waters of mind-body’s many fluid states and possibilities. Feeling alive, vibrant in softness: transparent, free, playful. All is united in the web of life, mind and matter are one.

With the help of Gravity, we grow roots into earth through our Bubbling Wells – located in the middle of our feet. When emptying and sinking, the soles of our feet open. This way body can feel safe, content, in relation, at ease. Deeply connected and belonging. Earth is holding us; we can rest in her arms. When fully surrendering, Lightness will arise. Paradoxes in action. Yin turns to Yang and reverse. Hanging from the head top, our spine is elongated by our own weight. The feet soften and feel enchantment. The joints open, facilitating flow of chi. Space all around begins to breathe, massage and caress us. Alive in the vertical and horizontal spheres, we allow ourselves to be suspended in natural soft Balance. No counter-balancing necessary. Free.

 

With Gravity, all falls into its rightful place. Resting in our Axis, we let breath and mind drop into the Tan Tien – center of gravity or Lake of Chi – our refuge. Very little to do. The more we relax the upper body the more the thighs will burn, chi moves, we get warm. Suspended in the vertical between Heaven and Earth, we humans are a conduit. Die Schwerkraft und der Atem. Gravity and Breath. Our old habits and holding patterns though, mostly unconscious, will be tenacious and stubborn. Over time we realize they are unnecessary. The process of un-learning and peeling away demands great patience. Slowly, we increase our sensitivity, and cultivate curiosity about new possibilities of moving and being. Ultimately – together with Alignment, Yin & Yang principles, Breath and Flow – Gravity introduces us to the Lightness of Being.

My words really don’t mean much till they are sensed, felt, tasted, practiced. Implementing the Principles of T’ai chi leads to new energy patterns and pathways, a new architecture of body and mind. New neurological pathways are created. For me T’ai Chi is a mirror, guide and philosophy through the body. This way it becomes an Art. Daily practice yields insights. People talk about “wisdom of the body.” But are we capable of listening deeply, sensitively noticing, playfully discovering? Are we willing to not know? Be changed? Are we awake and present? How and what we practice, we will become. Gravity and the physical laws on earth teach and nourish us with their wisdom. They are spiritual in nature. When practicing we cultivate human virtues: humility, patience, perseverance, gratitude. Openness to change, transformation and healing.  New Ways of Being.  The horizon keeps moving, we never arrive....

Be Still as a Mountain, Move like a great River.

 

In dangerous and grave situations – in times of gravity – we can feel truly lucky if we know how to live with the principles I am describing above. Especially if we can put them into practice. We will feel safer, more courageous, awake and alive. Ready to calmly respond as needed. I started writing on this a while ago, meanwhile times are getting graver by the minute. And lighter… more transparent…

 

https://karinalandriver.blogspot.com/2023/01/reflections-on-teaching-principles-and.html

 

https://karinalandriver.blogspot.com/2022/09/looking-back-and-forward.html