rooted Archives | Faulk TaiChi

My Word in Real Time

January 8, 2018 By Arlene Faulk

New beginnings. That’s where we are, early days of a new year. Some new expectations for ourselves.

My word for this year is “rooted” and I already put it to good practical use. It’s been cold here in Chicago, single digit temperatures for many days. Patches of ice don curbs and sidewalks, sometimes visible. Sometimes not. I was stepping up on a curb and yes, I saw the ice, shiny like in an ice rink. As I lifted my foot and then started to step down, I put my toe down first. “No, don’t do that,” the voice inside my head echoed. I quickly picked that foot back up and then set it down, heel first. Heel is more stable. I consciously shifted my weight to that foot and leg, then got up on the curb safely. Heel first, then foot. Shift weight to that foot. How many times I say that as we practice our walking in Tai Chi class. And recently, I told my students that we are in training for winter snow and ice. We are practicing our walking, stepping up on curbs, getting rooted, staying upright.

Committing to a word is causing a mental shift, a shift from an abstract concept to actual reality. Now that I have an actual example for myself, using my word in an actual daily activity, it is even more in my consciousness. I chose one word, so I would, at a minimum remember it, and secondly, one word seems more manageable to live out somehow. I am curious and excited to see how focusing on that word will manifest in my life. I already have my first concrete experience with it and am excited to see what else is up ahead.

As I wrote last blog, “A Word for the New Year” and asked what your word is, I got four responses — watch, consistent, kindness, accepting. Wonderful words to manifest during the year. I will look forward to hearing how these words manifest themselves in daily activities. I have received many comments in person about how helpful this exercise and individual sharing is. So, I want to keep this going this week and I hope you will take a few minutes to respond.

What is your word that you want to be mindful of and manifest this year?

A Word for the New Year

December 30, 2017 By Arlene Faulk

As one year sunsets and another dawns, my thoughts turn to what is to be revealed, as yet unknown. A new year. New possibilities. New challenges.

I am not one who makes New Year’s resolutions. What I decided to do is focus on a word, a word that I want to be mindful of and manifest as best as I can in starting a new year. It only took a few minutes for the right word to surface – ROOTED. I use this word often, even start all my Tai Chi classes with this word – “Bring yourself into the room. Feet parallel, hip-width apart, knees soft. Visualize your feet and legs like a tree, rooted deep into the earth. See if you can make the roots a little bit deeper.”

As we make our roots deeper and stronger below the earth, we will become more stable above the earth. Stable, centered, balanced, strong – isn’t that what we all would like to be and have every day? If I were not so involved with Tai Chi, I might have used the word “grounded.” That’s a good word, too, because it suggests a connection with the earth and being stable, both physically and mentally.

Being rooted allows the body to move in a coordinated way. The body moves as a unit, all parts synchronized, coordinated and relaxed. I aspire to that and know it is a process not an end, nor a static state. Being rooted allows the mind to relax and focus only on the moment.

I aspire to be rooted in my standing and in my walking. I aspire to be rooted in kindness and in giving what I can to help others improve health. I aspire to be mindful and focused on the moment so I can actively listen.

What is your word for the new year? I really want to know, because if you share, it will help many others along the way.

What is your word that you want to be mindful of and manifest?

Rooted Like a Tree

April 25, 2016 By Arlene Faulk

When outside this morning, I stared at tree after tree. Although a few of the early spring trees have some blossoms or buds that will turn into leaves, others until the last few days continued to look like lingering winter. Bare branches.

Until today. Today is blossoming into a full color screen, like in the “Wizard of Oz”. Green is everywhere. The trees are signaling that spring is finally here in the midwest. I love this time of year. When the trees start to generate their spring leaves, the green is light and bright, glistening from the sunshine. And like clockwork, trees are dependable. From their roots deep into the earth, they ready themselves to spring out in their glory. They always do.They always come through.

In Tai Chi we learn to root ourselves like a tree.The deeper our roots go, the more stable and balanced we are as we stand on the earth. That earth energy comes up through our feet and circulates throughout our body. At this time of year I always think of one of the fundamental principles in the Tai Chi Classics:

“The internal energy, Qi, roots in the feet,
Transfers through the legs,
Is controlled from the waist,
And blossoms through the arms and fingertips.”

Like the trees. Pay attention today to the trees. Admire their steadiness, their blossoming and their lessons for each of us — Be stable, balanced and dependable.

Being with the Trees

August 5, 2015 By Arlene Faulk

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)

Advice From a Tree

June 22, 2015 By Arlene Faulk

The image of a tree is central to Tai Chi principles – rooted, flexible, changing, flowing, centered in now. As we move fully into summer, I share one of my all-time favorites:

Advice From a Tree

“Stand tall and proud.
Sink your roots deeply into the earth.
Reflect the light of your own true nature.
Think long term.
Go out on a limb.
Remember your place among all living beings.
Embrace the joy of the changing seasons
for each yields its own abundance.
The energy and birth of spring,
The growth and contentment of summer,
The wisdom to let go like the leaves in fall,
The rest and quiet renewal of winter.
Feel the wind and sun and delight in their presence.
Look up at the moon that shines down upon you and
the mystery of the stars at night.
Seek nourishment from the good things in life.
Simple pleasure,
Earth, fresh air, light.
Be content with your natural beauty.
Drink plenty of water.
Let your limbs sway and dance in the breezes.
Be flexible.
Remember your roots.
Enjoy the view!”
— Ilan Shamir