Lazy about Tying Coat (Lazily Tying Coat) by Jo Cornwell

Post date: 11-Apr-2018

the right hand is a fist unclenching leaving the cup of the other and

threading upwards for a moment straight precise as if aiming for

a needle then turning palm outwards as does the other

(air almost tangible) and my hand is now pulling through water as an oar

pulls through water I have felt this it is all slow it is for ever and

now as both hands turn palms upwards and come together crossing

to make wings and these wings draw inwards as if feathers are shelter

for a heart as I step out and the wings open to let the other hand

remember the body and fall unwillingly down it while the right hand -

the one that was a fist gestures outwards towards a pause

In classes both at Bratton and at Lydford, I have spent more time in the last two years going over the initial moves of the form. Lazily tying coat is a favourite move of mine.

Lazy is slow-moving. Suggestive of a river. I often think of water when I'm doing Tai Chi - and Mandy often suggests 'to flow with it' when describing movement in Tai Chi and in life in general.

I want the rooted, mindful movement of Tai Chi. The quietening of the mind from outer chaos towards a stillness; inherent within. Even a knowing, or an allowing of the busy state of the mind feels like a step into the flow of stillness.

It is an absolute blessing to have Mandy's classes on the doorstep. I thank her always for her generous spirit; her sharing of her practice and this way of life.