Heal the Earth

Post date: 27-Mar-2020 11:25:20

What a time we are experiencing and how fast things have changed! Being able to offer a class at Bratton Clovelly in the hall or outside was soon squashed within hours of writing my last piece.

I am seeing how peoples’ lives are changing-some for the better, some for the worse. A time for slowing down and healing within is how some see it; others are finding it mentally draining and very stressful. It is an exceptional and extraordinary time that we are all experiencing together. These words by Angus Clark-Living Movement Tai Chi, are so true and worth sharing.

‘A time, it seems, of difficulty, opportunity, shock, change, possibility. A time of seclusion and isolation at the same time as connection and coming together. A time of stillness, spaciousness, resting; anxiety, fear, restriction. What a mix!’

For me, the many years of practising Taiji and Qi Gong is proving to be invaluable, enabling me to stay completely balanced to help my family and others. How truly grateful I am for this connection-the grounding, breathing, flowing and embracing the stillness within.

"The power to find balance is within you"

Taiji is rooted in the Taoist philosophy dating back hundreds of years. Lao Ztu is a Chinese legendary and historical figure who is considered to be the founder of Taoism. Taoism is the philosophy that teaches us how to live in harmony with the world. The word Tao means the ‘way’- the pattern and substance of everything that exists. Lao Ztu is also credited as the writer of Taoism most sacred text-Tao Te Ching. It is packed with remarkable wisdom and messages of peace, resilience and living cohesively which reminds us what really matters in life. He is a central figure in Chinese culture, but his words can apply to people all over the world. On opening my copy of the Tao Te Ching this week, this quote really resonated with me- ‘look within and you will find everything you need’. In these words, Lao Ztu is saying- ‘knowing others is intelligence, knowing yourself is true wisdom, mastering others is strength, mastering yourself is true power’. We live in a culture that is geared towards doing, succeeding, making and wanting more, whether it is money or of ourselves. These actions, from a Taoist perspective, are considered ‘yang’ and are based on outwards and external movement. The Chinese concept of ‘yin yang’ describes nature in dualities with two opposite complementary and interdependent forces. In other words, two halves balancing together that makes a whole. Yin and yang always flows and changes with time-one aspect increases as the other decreases and this balance continues as a pattern in nature. As in nature, human life is all about balance. To maintain balance we need to spend time cultivating our ‘yin’, which is our inner experience. We need to slow down and reflect, enjoy being without having to do anything. Practices, such as Taiji and Qi Gong can help us slow down, so that when we do need to act more in the world and create, we have a deeper and more valuable reservoir of energy and balance to draw from.

We have no control over what is happening in the world at this moment, but we do have control over our thoughts. Fear is the dark, love is the light. This is an opportunity to truly cultivate your ‘yin’ so when a ‘normal’ life returns you will realise that it is okay to slow down and make time to practise Taiji every day-to make it a ‘way’ of life.

My thoughts are with everyone throughout the world and to beautiful Mother Earth, less pollution meaning she can breathe and heal. How lovely not to see vapour trails in the beautiful blue skies! Maybe this experience will be an awakening and re-connection for many people, young and old. Keep well in mind, body and spirit my friends and hopefully it will not be too long before we are reunited in our classes.