Recently I experienced Tai Chi an ancient art for the mind and body in the most beautiful way. The room was open and large wooden floor, music of the sound of birds and water flowing over rippling books softly filled the air. The cool spring air floated thru the open windows allowing the sunlight to dance on the floor and created a soft warmth. Tai Chi has its origin in Chinese Martial Arts. I was using it mainly for the health benefit on my quest to develop a greater sense of awareness and meditation.

I could not help but think that this class should be held outside to greatly amplify the effect. Just to be in the lushness of green grass running through my toes and tickling the bottom of my feet. To smell the blossom from the cherry trees that lined the streets as spring break free would multiply the effect of getting grounded and being one with mother nature.  There was no jolting, jumping or excessive stretching. The movements were soft and slow, deliberate yet yielding to what seemed natural.

While in the class, I realized that I was born to be fluid, to run thru the meadows barefooted. To be one with the universe. From the gentle blowing of the wind to observing nature all around me. The Yin and yang . The Black and the White. I learned some basic Tai Chi movements but the one thing that stuck with me was the need to clear the air. The subtle movements involves handling an imaginary large ball which represents the earth. It was about allowing things to flow out and others to flow in. I was taught that there are three main energy centers of the body.  The upper dantian, (dan tien) the middle of your forehead between the eyebrows or third eye. The middle dantian at the level of your heart. Also, the lower dantian below your navel or belly button. All movements are focuses around these energy centers.

For 45 minutes we practice what was a short routine of moving creating large circles, reaching with open palms, closing a loose first and then releasing. Balancing our movement on the one side and repeating them on the other. We pivoted one foot while keeping the other grounding to move from the right to the left.  This created in me a sense of mindfulness. This routine was part of a longer routine that would take several repeated practices to grasp. I found the experience enlightening and relaxing. I thanked my teacher who has practiced this artform for the past 15 years and looked forward to my next experience. Over the course of the following weeks, I find myself incorporating the shadow movement of the circles, in my daily exercise before my devotional time.

My Tai Chi class was held at the YMCA and was part of the membership which I decided to utilize. I initially signed the children up for swimming as I thought it was a great life skill to have. The facilities had so much to offer so we decided to sign up for annual membership as it was free. This allowed our family access to family swim, group fitness classes, use of the gym, basketball court and other organized activities.

Today I express gratitude for the teacher who helped me to further his practice and made a memory in my life.

Transformer