How can the two co-exist, stillness and motion? Aren’t they opposites?

The creatures of nature teach us that they can and do co-exist, the internal power and gracefulness of these two phenomena present simultaneously. A few days ago I was vividly reminded of this state of being. Visiting the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago, we stood and stared in awe at the seahorses, still yet in motion. Calm, at one with their environment. Mesmerizing. I said to my niece, Stacy, how they reminded me of Tai Chi, with its gentle slow movements that create stillness within. Then we saw a big red starfish, that looked still, yet was in its own slow motion. We gaze, ooh and ahh because they make us feel calm just by looking at them.

Often, when people learn that I teach Tai Chi, they comment that they have seen individuals doing Tai Chi in the park and it makes them feel calm just by watching. I think it’s similar to watching the seahorses and the starfish, just a couple examples of nature being at one with the environment and themselves. It is natural and instinctual.

Since Tai Chi principles and movements follow nature, it is not surprising that we internalize calm and stillness through masterful slow  movements. We long for that calm and peace in our lives. May each of us find a way to find some stillness that is quietly powerful and lifts our spirit.