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Look at the Empty Space

February 3, 2016 By Arlene Faulk

2013 December Des Moines

Many of us assume that what we see with our eyes is what there is. We see a tree in February with branches but no leaves and a frozen lake with seemingly no water moving. Nature changes color for winter, from autumn golds and browns to winter, much of it in black, white and gray. When we are in a northern climate the season change can be dramatic, not just the temperature but the landscape.

There is dormancy, hibernation, quiet preparation for what will become apparent as the sun shines brighter, as nature is preparing to blossom into the next season. But wait. Don’t miss what’s happening right now.

At this time of year I like to suggest to my Tai Chi students to look at a tree from a new perspective. Rather than just focusing on the branches, focus on the space between the branches. What is happening there? The in between space is filled with Qi, the energy of life. That space has value.

The Tao te Ching eloquently helps us think about empty space in a new way:

“We put thirty spokes together and call it a wheel;
But it is on the space where there is nothing
That the usefulness of the wheel depends.

We turn clay to make a vessel,
But it is on the space where there is nothing
That the usefulness of the vessel depends.

We pierce doors and windows to make a house,
And it is on those spaces where there is nothing
That the usefulness of the house depends.

Therefore, just as we take advantage of what is,
We should recognize the usefulness of what is not.” (From Tao te Ching, translated by Arthur Waley)

winter tree and blue sky

Take a look at the space between the tree branches anew. What is happening there?

Filed Under: Changing Seasons, Mindfulness, Paying Attention, Tai Chi Tagged With: empty space, new perspective, trees

Arlene Faulk

Arlene Faulk

After a years-long struggle to understand and conceal debilitating symptoms while I ascended the corporate ladder, I found comfort and healing through Tai Chi and Chinese Medicine.

My memoir, Walking on Pins and Needles, is the story about the power to control our lives and move in the direction of possibility. Read more...

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FROM TAI CHI STUDENTS

Tai Chi makes me feel calm, yet energized. Because of my practice, the small irritants of life affect me less.

Tai Chi student

I had back surgery, was in pain and had little range of motion. Tai Chi practice at Heartwood has helped me increase flexibility, my range of motion and my overall stamina.

Tai Chi student

Arlene teaches the Tai Chi form in such a gentle and connected way that many movements now feel utterly natural and healing.

Tai Chi student

I've even shared some of the exercises with my bike club to help reduce injuries. They really work!

Tai Chi student

I've always been a klutz and have regularly lost my balance and fallen when walking outside. Arlene taught me how to stand and walk properly through Tai Chi. I really can't believe it: I haven't fallen in four years since I've been taking Tai Chi with Arlene!

Tai Chi student

I love Arlene's Tai Chi classes. She helps us understand not only what we're doing, but also why we're doing it. That really helps me take what I learn in class and apply it to my daily life.

Tai Chi student

I'm really inspired by what Tai Chi has done for Arlene. She is a great teacher, who is calm and very patient. She has really helped me not to be so hard on myself.

Tai Chi student

I play golf and had a lesson after school, on the same day we had Tai Chi class. My coach commented, 'Your posture is amazing and all of the balance issues that we have been fighting for so long seem to have just taken a vacation.' I mentioned to him that I thought it was due to Tai Chi.

Tai Chi student

Tai Chi relaxes your entire body and promotes peace and proper breathing. The more I manage to breathe properly while doing any activity in my life, I generally tend to do a lot better at it. I benefited from Tai Chi because it managed to help me with my breathing skills even more.

Tai Chi student

Tai Chi really gives my body strength to put up with the pains of my breast cancer and back problems. Tai Chi is 'sneaky'. You don't think it's helping, but eventually you realize it's helping you.

Tai Chi student

For me, Tai Chi brings comfort and quiet amidst all the chaos and change.

Becky, Tai Chi student

In just a few months, the practice has become perhaps the most nurturing element in my life during COVID times, when sustaining a commitment to anything else has been challenging.

Barb, Tai Chi student

The community Tai Chi has provided has been a gift. With so much we can now do whenever we wish --- with an app, YouTube video, or streaming service --- meeting weekly (via zoom) in real time, live, to practice Tai Chi creates true community.

David, Tai Chi student

I really enjoy our time together and I've found Tai Chi a great way to "keep moving," not only during this pandemic but also as a regular practice with a wonderful integration of mind, body and spirit.

Martha, Tai Chi student

Tuning into the class and seeing familiar faces of the other students brings a nice sense of community and connection during this time of separation and isolation.

Julia, Tai Chi student

I love the walking practice because it helps me slow down and focus only on the moment.

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Tai Chi has made me aware of how I’m standing and where my weight is. My balance is improving.

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I hear Arlene saying to listen to my body and only do what I can do. That helps me relax.

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