I have long wondered why Tai Chi leads to the kind of breaking through, breaking down and breaking open that it does. I have seen it time and time again. Even though I try not to be a “Spiritual Teacher” or even to have a touchy feely environment in my classes it happens anyway. Some people have opined that the “mere Tai Chi” that I teach is not the really deep level of repatterning that constitutes indoor teaching; I do just teach Form, but it still happens anyway. Well, this is what I have observed.
Mechanical centers – There are numerous hinges in the body that we learn to open and close in Tai Chi. At first this is in the form of isolations, the ability to move that joint without moving all the surrounding areas as usual. As we do the form we are slowly and consciously opening and then closing these hinges. We create new pathways and begin to physically change at this level. The joints open up, the surrounding structures receive increased blood flow and after a while we start to feel an energy in the body associated with this action.
Electrical centers – It turns out that many of these hinges that we are opening and closing are located at important electrical junction boxes is the body. These plexus areas have numerous nerve systems all coming together and tying into central relay stations. The centers get fired up and start to run at a higher voltage or frequency in the order that the student can consciously manipulate the mechanical joint. I have observed that the Coccygeal, the Pelvic and the Solar Plexus usually open up first and that the Thoracic hinge and the Cervical Spinal hinge open up later. It is at this stage that Chi Sickness, Psychological Issues and Psychic Aspects begin to manifest. I usually start thinking at this point that some experience as a therapist might not be a bad idea for a Tai Chi teacher.
Psycho spiritual centers – It is no coincidence that at the same location as these hinges and plexus points are the Chakra energetic valves. Once the mechanical hinges are opened and the electrical connections are clearing away old blockages then the Chakras start to clear up and open up. I will tell you that for those who are lightly sprung or have deep seated issues this can be a very big deal. I think that those who can find someone who is a professional in energy medicine do much better and those who think that they understand it or that their practice will be adequate to deal with it do not fare so well.
I have heard that some people learn gradually, always adding to their knowledge base and their experience in an incremental and orderly way. Actually, I have never seen this but I have heard it is possible. What I have seen is a Big Bang, a massive explosion at the center of one’s universe that brings one to their knees. I can tell those who have had it from those who have not. Do not mistake this for injury. Many have a deep injury which they carry. They can nurture, amplify and replay that injury but it doesn’t lead to a breakthrough. The reason is that there is an inability to pass through the doorway of fear and surrender to the transformation. This is one of the most important things that can happen for a Human; to find our true purpose and our true worth. In my life it was a difficult transition which has made all the difference and it all began with Opening the Door.
Goodbye 32, Hello 33!
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Seeing as I'm about 3 weeks into year 33, I thought I should review the
goals I set out to complete for year 32. Alas, I can't say there has been
much of a...
12 years ago
This is a great piece...thoughtful and full of information, esp. for one such as myself who refuses to bring analytic mind into my Tai Chi experience...mixture of indulgence, no discipline, cognitive laziness and immaturity I'm sure, or maybe just plain addiction to the energy. However, I was quite taken by your first paragraph. Here's my take on it. When there is an activated teacher in the class, something is going to happen regardless of teaching just forms or setting up a certain environment etc. Since we are all connected, the energy is contagious and the teacher is an instrument of initiation regardless....your classes are going to react. Given that you are a person that has the "Struck on the road to Damascus", i. e. Spiritual Emergency/Big Bang experience, its even more likely that students putting themselves in a receptive mode to receive your teaching...well....It is going to happen sooner or later. Further, if you want it or not....it signs you up for the next order of responsibility.......but what else can you do? Service is the next stage and likewise as the Course in Miracles says: "Teach to Learn". Not to mention, my belief is, those students who show up are supposed to get your particular brand. This is a simplistic explanation, but you get the gist. Thank you for another enjoyable composition...I do wish another song would appear on your site as well....:-)
ReplyDeleteThe intention may be to “just teach form,” but intention coupled with attention brings one to the understanding that the practice of Tai Chi has the potential to rejuvenate the body, develop the energies, and bring about spiritual awareness. The opening of any one of these centers has the potential to be the initial gate of a student’s spiritual awakening. Jou, Tsung Hwa states that “everyone who persists in taijiquan and utilizes the principle of change will experience sudden and exhilarating transitions toward enlightment.“
ReplyDeleteOnce opened, all of these centers are necessary practices to support the student’s spiritual journey, and ongoing spiritual practice. The responsibility of teachers lies in a truthful awareness of their personal spiritual maturity, the ability to protect the welfare of their students, and to guide the students’ awakening with compassion; or at the very least refer students to trustworthy sources of guidance.
“When we find a skillful teacher and a lineage that we can trust and respect, this becomes a beacon to illuminate our hearts and our path…The greatest joy and simplest power of a teacher is the environment of their own freedom and joy.” Jack Kornfield