My deep admiration for trees might seem unconventional to some. While Shakespeare once mused, "Shall I compare thee to a summer's day," I find myself more inclined to compare myself to a majestic tree. There's a profound sense of peace I feel in their presence, as if enveloped by their quiet wisdom. Their roots stretch deep, anchoring them firmly, while their resilience allows them to endure the harshest weather. They shed their leaves only to bloom again, embracing the rhythm of the seasons. To me, this mirrors the essence of the Tai Chi journey—rooted, resilient, and ever-evolving.
This tree, captured in the photo, was a familiar sight during my training days in Devon. Each time I returned, it stood strong—evolving and changing with the passing seasons, yet always steadfast.
Heavy is the root of the light
Tao Te Ching 26
"Sink"
If you practice Tai Chi, you've likely heard this phrase many times. Yet, we often follow it without fully understanding its deeper meaning. We simply focus on sinking our energy—at least, that's what we believe we are doing—depending on where we are in our personal journey.
If you're anything like me, you can’t help but seek a deeper understanding of the art. The curiosity never fades, and the desire to explore only grows stronger. While I’ve often felt like giving up, Tai Chi has a unique way of captivating the heart, leaving me inspired and eager to keep learning.
The profound beauty of our connection to nature and its energies lies in its endless depth. Just when you feel you’ve grasped it, you realise you’ve only begun to uncover its vast mysteries.
Let me give you some food for thought: "Heavy is the root of light." What does this mean to you? How do the concepts of "sinking" and these words intertwine? Take a moment to reflect and discover how they connect to the wisdom of trees.
After spending so much time in research mode, it all finally makes perfect sense to me. The profound connection we share with everything—the stars, the universe, and the undeniable truth that we are made of cosmic stardust—is truly awe-inspiring. It only seems natural to embrace this connection and align ourselves with nature, echoing the wisdom of the quote: "Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished."
Reflecting on everything I've learned, I feel an overwhelming sense of wonder and amazement.
Until next time when we dive deeper into this topic, take a moment to engage in a Qi Gong exercise. Move slowly and intentionally, allowing your breath to guide you. Stay fully present as you visualize your energy sinking deep into the earth, like the roots of a sturdy tree. Notice how this connection feels and let the experience evolve naturally—there’s no need to hurry. As my most recent teacher often says, "Sink to rise."
As you learn and grow, remember to be gentle with yourself and honor where you are in your journey. In my early years, I often felt pushed too hard, overextending and forcing myself beyond my limits. Listen to your body and only do what feels right for you! Compassion is key.
Yi Dao Qi Dao
About the Author: River Lily
I practice various forms of Tai Chi, but my current focus is on the 18 Forms of Tai Chi Qi Gong, shabashi developed in 1979. This practice was designed to support individuals dealing with back pain, lung conditions, and hypertension, and it has since become one of the most widely practiced Qi Gong forms across the globe.
Exploring other forms has greatly enhanced my understanding of the interplay between yin and yang, while providing deeper insights into the philosophy behind it.
I firmly believe that continuous learning and exploration are vital, as all aspects of life are profoundly interconnected.
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