Greatness in Little Things

It's a sunny mid-60s to low-70s afternoon following several consecutive days of consistent and sometimes torrential rain. I held this morning's T'ai Chi Chih class session outdoors (class 1 of 8). What a joy!

Our almost-silent TCC practice was full of bird song that one student claimed was much nicer to listen to than any of the music I normally play. I agreed.

The grassy earth where we practiced was soft, moist, and yielding underfoot. I assured students at the onset that they'd enjoy their practice on this supple surface; it's much easier to move on flexible earth than a dry dirt surface that is hard, rough, and rigid.

Our Tao discussion centered on Verse 63, "Living Without Difficulties" (per Wayne Dyer). Much of this verse reminds me of the practice of T'ai Chi Chih. "Practice nonaction. Work without doing." Does this sound familiar? Justin Stone reminds us often: Practice TCC using the effort of no effort.

The Tao continues: See simplicity in the complicated. Achieve greatness in little things. Again, I revisit TCC practice which may be viewed as a simple, uncomplicated movement form. The potential benefits it yields, however, are great: improved mental and physical health, expanded Chi flow, increased centeredness and focus, lowered stress, increased feelings of compassion, and an expanding sense of the Oneness of all things.

Ah, yes, through these 19 simple movements and one pose we discover greatness in little things (i.e., Rocking Motion, Bird Flaps its Wings, Around the Platter, Bass Drum, Passing Clouds ...).