My adventures into Tai Chi Land: Fourth in a four-part series

||| FROM STEPHANIE ROSENBLATT |||

Tai Chi offers physical and emotional balance and gifts the practitioner with an inward journey that heals the soul. This unfolding is similar to Dorothy’s adventures in the Wizard of Oz. And like the Yellow Brick Road, Tai Chi is a winding path as it traverses through a completely new environment and unfamiliar territory.

Many of my students enroll in my classes to improve their physical realm; by gently stretching muscles/ligaments, strengthening bodies, enhancing balance, improving memory, or learning to walk with confidence. However, on the journey they discover other challenges when encountering their “inward” Scarecrow, Tin Man, Lion and Dorothy.

The Scarecrow wanted a brain. As the student learns Tai Chi, the body is being taught novel ways to move. There isn’t a movement map available since the steps are unlike any exercise the practitioner has done in their lifetime. The brain needs to be totally focused and is “exercised” as new memory is created.

I remember during the first few months of learning with Mr. Chow I would leave class with a headache, as if the “muscle” between my ears was requiring me to intensely concentrate as I was following along.

The constant left/right balancing act enhances mental clarity and has a positive, stimulating impact on both hemispheres of the brain as they communicate and absorb the new, physical information… like the benefits of a child crawling.

The Tin Man first needed to be oiled before he could even talk and tell Dorothy he desired a heart. Tai Chi first “oils” every muscle and ligament in the body. The arms and hands are held higher than the heart, so the heart muscle is gently strengthened as it pumps blood to the elevated limbs. The heart is described as the center of one’s emotions. Through the movement of inner “chi” (life force) energy the student is more in touch with their emotional state and can heal the wounds of past transgressions. It”s a safe place where one can release what I call “glommers.”  Glommers are words, attitudes, and actions, that have attached to one’s true nature from past interactions with family members, friends, teachers, etc. It’s only when we
build the courage, strength, and insight to release these glommers that we become healthy and whole.

The “Lion yearned to have courage. Courage is the first step on becoming a spiritual warrior. After a few months of being “one” with the movements, the mind has been focused on watching and correcting the body. Once the body understands and flows through the steps, the mind is free to meditate.

Tai Chi is aptly described as “moving meditation.” When in a meditative state there’s an opportunity to explore deeper levels of the soul. It takes courage to take an honest assessment on how we’re choosing to live life… conscious or unconscious. It takes valor to release negativity and harmful habits that halts the upward journey of one’s spirit. Tai Chi gives one the space, time, and courage to explore all the inner realms.

Dorothy desired to “go home.” This is the essential yet hidden reason to learn Tai Chi as it offers a pathway to find our way back HOME to ourselves; to be light enough to click our heels and create our own proactive attitudes. To walk with grace, speak our truths and be in touch with our healthy, emotional state.

And lastly, I appreciate theOrcasonian for giving me the opportunity to share my personal Adventures in Tai Chi Land. If you’re interested in meeting me, I’ll be available for a discussion and Q & A about Wu Style Tai Chi, at the library’s Community Room on Saturday, December 9 from 11:00 – 12:00. You’ll have an opportunity to sign-up for a Beginner’s Class and what that will entail. And remember there are many different forms of Tai Chi If possible, it’s best to learn Tai Chi from a patient and joyful teacher.

Over and out and may the CHI be with you.