Tai chi, like most natural and holistic practices, places a strong emphasis on the seasons. Winter is a quiet time, inherently appropriate for focusing on the internal, the slow, and the forces below the surface. It brings to mind the act of trees percolating and readying for the bloom of spring, and the profound dreams of hibernation. Winter points us to stillness on the outside and discovery deep within.
And where possible, it’s a pleasure to be able to sync our lives to this rhythm. For the next few weeks I will be offering a short tai chi series at Element where students will be slowing down and focusing on their internal energy. Through slow movements and careful awareness, we will walk and work in our own inner worlds. Each class culminates in a movement you can learn for yourself and practice at home. I hope you’ll stop by to check it out, beginners welcome.
The Chinese call tai chi an “internal” art, meaning the effort and attention is not applied to external measures like the speed or height of a movement, but instead to the internal feeling of the motion. In practice, we focus on our state of mind and the origin (in the body) of the motion we are executing. Emotionally, we cultivate ease. Physically, we build comfort and strength within. As we move, we connect to what’s happening below the surface. In this way, we can harmonize our feelings with the quiet of Winter.
– by Dan Baum, www.EVAtaichi.com