Wheeling and Dealing
Tai-chi principles can be used to better understand the economic troubles we are facing. Most of the classroom training focuses on using the least energy to create the most effect. We learn how we too often waste energy, both physical and mental, and we learn about how to use proper mechanics of the body and mind.
In the 1970’s many economists were worried about the fact that so much of our economic energy went into buying and selling companies rather than on actual production of goods and services. Financial transactions became the predominant business of our country rather than manufacturing or non-financial services. We stopped “doing” and spent most of our time “wheeling and dealing”.
I think the economic collapse is largely a result of this problem. How much of our personal lives consist of wheeling and dealing and how much do we actually get done? What do we do for our health, for our continuing learning, keeping in touch with friends and being creative?
It feels like our energy is getting sapped just by working more to pay bills or trying to find work. But sometimes exercising or engaging in creative activities acts like putting more wood in the wood stove when you are huddling under a blanket and unable to function.
When I was young, play consisted of moving and interacting with other kids. Today it seems to consist of moving only your thumbs on the Xbox remote.
We use the term “not doing” in Tai-chi. This term really means “not doing anything ridiculous”. It means not wasting your energy because of poor mechanics. So when you are “doing” the form or push hands or self defense practice, you are certainly “doing”. It’s just that you understand what is meaningful and useful and what is wasteful.
I think we need to examine this principle in our personal and national lives.
