Tai chi: Rootedness and Balance

This is a movement workshop. Participants will be taught a simplified tai chi form called Tai Chi Chih. We will discover the experiences of body awareness, movement, internal energy (chi), and meditative practice. Our focus will be on Rootedness and Balance. We’ll also probe selections from the Tao Te Ching. In times of rapid change…

Workshop Description

This is a movement workshop. Participants will be taught a simplified tai chi form called Tai Chi Chih. We will discover the experiences of body awareness, movement, internal energy (chi), and meditative practice. Our focus will be on Rootedness and Balance. We’ll also probe selections from the Tao Te Ching.

In times of rapid change and upheaval, where can we look for rootedness and balance? Emotionally and spiritually?
A place to start is with awareness of our own bodies in movement. We can also experiment with contemplative mind. Tai Chi movements and the Tao Te Ching offer us these pathways of exploration.

Come and explore the experience of body awareness, internal energy flow (chi) and meditative practice. You will be taught a simplified qigong movement form called Tai Chi Chih. If you have never done tai chi, you will learn to do this form. If you already know this form, you will deepen your experience. For more information: see http://taichichih.org

Our key focus will be on Rootedness and Balance — our physical bodies, standing on the earth, moving slowly in space, energetically touching the heavens. We will learn and practice Tai Chi Chih daily, exploring its physical, energetic, emotional and spiritual effects.
At the same time, we will take a glance at the Taoist philosophical roots of tai chi by reading a few selections of the Tao Te Ching. We will attempt to discover how Lao Tsu’s mystical poetry informs our movements and how our movements inform Lao Tsu; and how both affect our approach to living in these tumultuous times.

At workshop’s end, you will know the Tai Chi Chih form, be conversant in the basic principles of tai chi. More importantly, you will hopefully feel within your body the texture, sensations and transformation these diverse practices can offer.

No prior experience or commitment in Tai Chi or Taoism is necessary for this workshop. What is required is openness to explore experiences outside traditional Quaker boundaries.

Tai Chi Chih is a series of slow, gentle movements, done standing. Thus, participants should be fit enough to stand and move on their feet for at least 45 minutes periods.

Bring with you: loose fitting clothing, comfortable shoes or thick socks. Also bring your sense of adventure.