We are like
sculptors, constantly carving out of others the image we long for, need,
love or desire, often against reality, against their benefit, and always, in
the end, a disappointment, because it does not fit them.
(Anais Nin)
Opportunities
Any situation offers a variety of opportunities for action or
non-action.
You may not see the opportunities at first.
This will change as you slow down and your mind becomes
quiet.
Within every situation there are subtle latent moments of opportunity where
action or non-action may be to your advantage.
In self defence, rhythm and timing provide opportunities, and develop the
ability to respond.
Choice
Encumbered by variables, possibilities and opportunities, your
mind becomes confused and stuck.
You must learn to empty the mind and trust your
intuition.
When you let-go and feel, you develop 'choiceless awareness'.
This is a condition
of oneness with the situation - where things
just happen without thought.
It should feel as though your tai chi just does itself.
Consequences
For every action you take, there is a consequence.
You cannot act without adverse consequences occurring at some point; life
would be
unbalanced.
Accept it.
What you can do is adapt, change, move and respond without getting stuck or
caught in the
wish of what might be.
Stay rooted in the 'here and now' and deal with what is happening.
Consequences are inevitable, just as
death is inevitable.
What matters is
how
you live.
Cord: Who are you?
Blind shepherd: Whoever you think I am or want me to be, I am.
(The Silent Flute)
Self defence
Our approach to self defence is designed to reduce the variables,
decrease your opponents options and increase your own.
Exercises such as yielding, silk arms and melee are all designed to
challenge you to use your body more creatively relative to somebody else.
It is imperative to realise that your responses will naturally create new
variables and you must let-go of your desire to
control the
other person.
Planning and
control are
illusions that
will cripple you in reality.
Allow your
opponent to do whatever they desire and adapt and change to the situation as
it is happening.
Acuity
Speed lies in the brain, not the hand; it is the brain
that processes sensory input.
If you only train the body and not the mind, your progress will be limited -
for you are exercising partially and neglecting the source.
Our school of tai chi improves your ability to perceive; honing and
sharpening your sensory acuity.
Page created 15 November 2001