Being Present

One of my other interests is SCUBA diving. For me, a major plus for it is the fact that when I am on a dive, I am absolutely in the moment. I never, ever think about anything else. No dry land activity ever came close to it until I found Tai Chi.

Each class begins with a warm up to loosen the joints and allow Chi to flow. This is followed by a period of Tai Chi walking meditation. I usually end up being intensely.... I was going to say focused but that's not the right word. Unfocused is more like it. I am in an almost hypnotic state and I am usually disappointed to have to stop. When I am in the ready position, waiting to begin the form, that mindset is still with me and as I relax my upper body my fingertips are tingling.

My first run through of the early part of the form is intuitive and flowing but that is as good as it gets. When we reach the part that I am just learning, the mind gets in the way. Then as we go over it again and start to break down the movements, I am totally back in 'reality' and it is hard to get the feeling back again.

I want to enjoy the process and let things take their course, but I can't help thinking that it will be nice when Tai Chi is in my blood and I can complete the form without any thoughts intruding.
tai chi