Spoon boy:
Do not
try and bend the spoon. That's impossible. Instead... only try to realize
the truth.
Neo:
What truth?
Spoon
boy:
There is no spoon.
Neo:
There is no spoon?
Spoon
boy:
Then you'll see, that it is not the spoon that bends, it is only yourself.
(The Matrix)
Use mind not force
Perception is the process of acquiring, interpreting,
selecting and organising sensory information.
Our ability to use tai chi rests considerably upon our
capacity to accurately perceive and respond to reality.
Meditation
is the condition of
awareness in which 'self' is lost in
being.
The barrier between self and other fades.
When self is lost,
reality
is found, and we begin to see what is - rather than what we want to see.
I Ching
The Book of Changes influenced the development of tai chi and
resulted in 8 of the
13 postures: the core of tai chi.
As a tool, it was designed to encourage a greater consideration of the
moment, of the 'here and now'.
The following points are relevant to most situations:
Variables
Possibilities
Opportunities
Choice
Consequence
The
I Ching asks the individual to allow for these and to act or not act with
increased awareness and
responsibility.
The Book of Changes has influenced how our tai chi school approaches
self defence and the way in which the
practitioner approaches life.
Why do think it has to want something?
(Solaris)
Variables
Every given moment contains a wide range of possible options.
How we perceive these choices and how we respond will determine the outcome.
Some options will seem favourable now but may later prove problematic.
Not every variable can be accounted for and considered - accept this and do
not
worry.
As your perception improves, you find yourself acting
without
doubt or
confusion.
Possibilities
A punch is only a punch if it hits you.
Before that time, it is latent - it has yet to become manifest.
Your actions may be instrumental in determining whether or not the latent
punch actually becomes a blow.
When you learn to deal with things as they are developing - sooner rather
than later - you cope better.
Failing to see the possibility may render you reactionary rather than
responsive; and to
counter this you must let-go and 'roll
with the punch'.
Certain situations require pre-emptive action, but this is not anticipatory
- you respond to the earliest semblance of difficultly - rather than
initiate.
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Page created 15 November 2001