But also be taught by each
discord.
The blind, with eyes dark but minds bright, are guided at first by obstructions.
(Lao Tzu)
Thinking
Our school of tai chi asks that students simply get on with the
training, regardless of whether the exercise makes sense or not.
Understanding is not always immediate.
Sometimes it takes time for the pieces to fall into place.
Context requires hindsight.
This means just doing - in contrast with
thinking,
interpreting, comparing, assessing, then doing.
Thought is the product of memory and is seldom applicable to
tai chi.
The
immediacy
of the moment robs thought of its value.
Confusion
We have designed a variety of exercises that challenge your
ability to think clearly and act appropriately.
Your mind is just too slow.
It is only when you stop trying to
control the situation and just
respond to the physical stimuli, that the exercises begin to make any sense.
We are training your nervous system to act in a very specific way.
When your mind is disoriented and confused, it eventually gives-up and this
is when you start to
understand our approach to tai chi.
A thinker dithers, doubts and hesitates.
Their very thoughts separate them from reality; from the truth of what is
happening.
In self defence this is useless.
In life, this is useless.
Being
At some point in the training, trying ceases and you just
be.
Your tai chi stops looking contrived and exaggerated; it almost looks like
normal, everyday movement.
The division between tai chi training and daily activity fades.
At this point, the system feels natural and easy to use; the tai chi becomes
your own.
Life changes.
You find it easier to get along with people.
Conflict no
longer resides in your heart and mind.
Your motivation is high and depression never occurs; you
live each day fully.
Unwanted chores no longer upset you - you just get on with them - or you
leave them be.
Trying
Trying is sentimental.
Instead of doing, you attempt to make your actions fit an idea of how it
should be.
The idea is not the real.
It is like Krishnamurti's example of seeing a tree and finding it beautiful,
or seeing a tree and thinking that you are supposed to find it beautiful.
The latter is sentimental, the former is real.
When you act rather than try, there is no sentimentality.
Page created 16 November 2002