What a fantastic workshop!

Both body and mind were well served during this workshop, on May 11 and 12 in North Gower. The event was sponsored by the Friends of Tai Chi and facilitated by Jim, Joe and Chris, but also enriched by the participants telling us stories about Master Moy, sharing lessons learned from their own tai chi experiences or asking questions about how to make their way on this journey.

We practiced extensively the foundation exercises and jongs, inspired by the collective memory of the students who were close to Master Moy, and which we practice at each online session. We also did some sets, working from the feet, followed by lovely moments of standing meditation, as well as rows of monkeys and wave hands, carried by this spiraling effect coming up from the feet.

We talked about the push from the feet, an essential principle pointed out by Lila when she explained to us the impressive anatomy and physiology of the feet and the role they play both in day-to-day and tai chi movements. We learned a lot from Lila’s expertise, but as well from Jim, Joe and Chris’ instructions, directly inspired from those given at the time by Master Moy. These passionate and talented practitioners generously passed on these teachings to us, which they could understand and integrate only after precious years of practice. And finally, we also learned from other considerate and experienced people, who are constantly there, waiting quietly for the right moment to help us while practicing or reflecting.

We reflected on the richness of these arts, and on all it takes – sincerity, patience and a sense of humility – to make our way on this journey. Personally, I was astounded by this great and sincere kindness and this deep sense of trust that we could feel, and which each of us fostered and offered right from our hearts. Everyone was truly happy to see each other in person – we could see that in their smiles and their arms wide open. And what about you? What did you discover at this workshop?