A good reminder.
Lesson for the Day
Let’s Actively Welcome in Spring!
This is an exciting time for most of us – more light in our days, warmer weather and a spring break holiday for some. Spring Equinox is the point in the year when we have equal times of daylight and darkness. And then the hours of light will predominate and the hours of darkness will lessen. Outside activities will increase and often we feel like we have renewed energy.
In Tai Chi class this week, I emphasized paying attention to the trees. We start class by centering ourselves, rooting our feet into the earth, connecting with the rich nutrients and energy the soil provides. Let’s all think of the trees that now have bare branches. The internal part of the tree is very busy preparing for new birth, which will soon be evident in new leaves, starting as buds and growing into their fullness.
Look at the spaces between the branches. Energy is flowing. Birds are returning to sit on those branches, their home. Those spaces will soon be filled with new leaves, new life, new promise that spring brings to the trees and to all of us. Are you ready to pay attention.
Look for the buds to sprout, the beginning of new life and renewal. Then as sure as anything we can count on in life, the trees will not disappoint. They will bloom in glory with green leaves. Be there. Say thank you and enjoy!
Celebrating Year of the Wood Snake
People born in the Year of Snake are said to be resilient and courageous with strong interpersonal skills and leadership qualities. The wood element adds a layer of growth and creativity, because just as the Snake sheds its skin, this year represents the opportunity to renew oneself, embrace new possibilities and leave behind outdated ways.
What a fun, energizing afternoon Tai Chi students and friends had as we gathered on February 2 to celebrate the Lunar New Year. Come with us and feel our positive energy reach out to you.
We began by centering and cultivating positive energy with Michelle Bobier.
Letting go of our to-do lists we focused on standing in good alignment, breathing and stretching, moving our energy to enhance our physical and mental well-being. Ahhh. . .
Sarah Bernauer lead us in a discussion of opening chakras to enhance energy flow. We moved gently to feel the energy come up through our feet into our center and upper body. The image resonated because in Tai Chi we root our feet like a tree into the earth and bring up the nutrients and rich energy the earth provides.
Daniel Thatcher continued leading our energy movement with fundamental principles of Tai Chi — proper body alignment, methodically shifting our weight with intention, moving from our waist and hips rather than the upper body,
relaxing our knees as we stand with our weight equally distributed on our two legs. Look how centered and relaxed everyone is, focusing entirely on the moment and breathing.
In “The Movements of Magic – The Spirit of Tai Chi Ch’uan,” Bob Klein says: “Often in life, we are so caught up in concentrating on the past and future that we miss the present. And truly, the present is all that exists for us. We may think about the past or imagine the future but we can actually deal only with the present. In the present we have power.”
What a wonderful way to celebrate the 2025 Lunar New Year, breathing and moving in the present, being mindful of the moment.
A big thank you to Daniel, Sarah and Michelle!
Earth Energy
Weather has been volatile lately across the U.S., snow in Southern California, violent storms in the plains, record heat waves in the southeast. Mother Nature is saying pay attention to me. Take care of me. You need me.
We do pay attention in Tai Chi, bringing attention, then intention to how we’re standing, where our weight is, how we are connecting with the earth. We visualize standing on rich soil, with roots moving from the bottom of our feet deep into the earth. This “rooting” gives us stability, helps us bring up earth energy to nourish and invigorate us. Think about a tree, actively working right now to bring up energy throughout is trunk, getting ready to blossom with new buds and leaves.
The trees look bare, like nothing is happening, when in fact, a lot is happening. The Tai Chi classics state that with Tai Chi, energy comes up from the earth through the bottom of the feet, travels through the legs, is commanded by the waist, moves through arms and blossoms in the hands. We’re like the tree. The new leaves are the result of a coordinated effort from the tree, all parts working together. Just like the tree, our body is unified, working as a unit so our limbs are part of the whole, not working on their own.
Earth energy gives us life, sustains and nourishes us. Next time you look at a tree, say “thank you.”
New Green Leaves Spring Forth
I absolutely love the first warm days of spring time when the green buds, turn into leaves on the trees and the light green color fills in all that space between the branches. It’s a predictable wonder of nature that new life has sprung forth.
I remind my students to pay attention, to feel the energy of the tree bringing up earth energy and moisture through the trunk, branches and then flower into beautiful green. This is the essence of Tai Chi — we root our feet into the earth, bring up the energy, which moves through the legs, is commanded by the waist and hips, moves up through the arms and flowers and the hands and fingers. In every class, I begin with our standing in hip-width distance and visualize a tree. We are the tree, moving with the natural rhythms and harmony of nature.
Be mindful of the glorious trees right now. Don’t just walk by. Stop, admire and maybe even say thank you for new life and possibilities.
Being with the Trees
Rooted like a tree. It’s a common phrase in Tai Chi and I use it often. Right now the trees are dressed fully — green, majestic, enjoying the lazy, hazy days of summer. Trees are always busy, doing something quietly and out of our sight. Until seasons start to change. Often it’s the trees that signal a significant change is about to happen. Let’s contemplate on a tree for a moment.
“A tree uses what comes its way to nurture itself. By sinking its roots deeply into the earth, by accepting the rain that flows toward it, by reaching out to the sun, the tree perfects its character and becomes great.
Look at its leaves, which shed the water, yet divert the life-giving liquid to its roots. Look at the strength of its limbs, which can span distances far greater than any of our own limbs could. Look at its sturdy trunk — could we stand the constantly changing seasons and be so strong? Look at its roots. How many of us are so stable?” —”Everyday Tao” by Deng Ming-Dao
We can learn a lot from a tree. When you’re out walking, having a picnic, sitting under a tree for shade, pay attention. Look at the tree, the shape of the leaves, the age marks on the bark, the colors of nature. Stand by the tree. Think about sprouting roots deep into the earth. The farther down you go, the more stability you will have standing on the ground. The tree can nourish you. The tree can teach important lessons. That tree can make your day because you are being one with nature.
(Being with the trees in Ann Arbor, Michigan)