Spiritual
Of all the people who begin the discipline of tai chi,
only a handful will continue past a year or so. Humility, compassion, lack of
ambition, non-aggression, spontaneity and silence are not qualities that our
societies value. There is no more difficult journey than the journey to the
self.
(John Lash)
Spiritual
Being immersed in the
moment is vital to tai chi
practice.
Thoughts end, memories stop intruding and we allow the world to unfold without
consideration.
There is a sense of great calm and wellbeing.
This is considered to be a 'spiritual' experience because you transcend
the illusion of separateness.
Self discovery
To understand your tai chi you must become a pragmatic person, a scientist and
learn how your body works in relation to everything around you.
You must begin with your feet planted on the ground.
Spirituality refers to the journey of self discovery.
It is concerned with the values and meanings by which people live.
A different you
The process of discovery may be slow and gradual but there will be
radical and distinct changes taking place.
You may well experience more than you bargained for.
A spiritual journey is not a trivial affair. It will profoundly affect who you
are.
You may come face-to-face with uncomfortable truths about yourself, unexpected
insights and realisations.
Some people may withdraw from your company, whilst others will seek you out.
If you are hoping to come through the experience unchanged, think again.
Page created 28 March 1993