CONSCIOUSNESS GRABS THE WORLD
Tai-chi training can be understood as developing the relationship between consciousness and the physical world. When we are developing in the womb, we develop a relationship with our physical bodies and our mothers’ bodies. When we emerge at birth, we develop a relationship with the rest of the physical world.
Just consider, for a moment, that consciousness is not just the nerve interactions of the brain, but is a larger energy that is the substrate, the blueprint of our entire experience of life. How our bodies develop, how our lives develop, how our minds develop is based on how consciousness “grabbed hold” of the physical world and the relationship that developed.
Tai-chi principles bring healthy power to that relationship. The form and Qigong brings consciousness and your body into a more intimate and balanced relationship. You connect with the ground and with momentum. Even the air you bring into your lungs serves as the basis of your movement. Push hands works on the relationship with another person, and by extension, with all forces around you. It teaches you to concentrate on the spaces between you and your partner rather than on their force. Sparring does the same but in a more intense way.
When you die and individual consciousness re-unites with the general energy of consciousness, the ability to retain the patterns and dynamics of the individual consciousness has been enhanced by your Tai-chi training. You learned to let go of each moment to stay focused on the present, yet to know where you are within the circles of movement and within your strategy of movement. This skill can continue when consciousness separates from the physical body – and then this consciousness can continue to develop.
This approach to Tai-chi training is becoming less and less available in our modern world (and perhaps less valued). To me, it is the most valuable and practical way of training. I have coined a term “zookinesis” to describe it. This training leads to a deeper connection to your creativity and the ability to let go of programmed behavior and addictions. It leads you to who you really are.
When you, as consciousness “grabbed the world”, you may have forgotten what is “you” and what is “the world”. That led to paralysis of creativity in your life. When you remember, you are freed.
Here is an idea for a New Year’s resolution – Remember and be freed!
