More Thoughts on the Heart Center – 3/29/21

Lately I have been reading a history of the 20^th Century, written by two Americans. What strikes me most is that, but for a few brief periods, our country has been constantly involved in war in some form or other. Millions of people have been killed for reasons too complex and contradictory to comprehend.

As a teacher of Tai Chi Chuan, I must consider myself a martial artist, yet the idea of war is abhorrent to me. I see my job as helping people gain the skills and philosophical strength to move around conflict and into inter-action, a mutual exchange resulting in peaceful resolution.

The stronger the individual gets, the less he has to fear his neighbor. The less fear, the more he is able to love and understand, which results in peace. We must use our internal arts training to strengthen our middle Dandien, our heart center, and let that energy express itself as compassion and understanding.

This year I celebrate 40 years of teaching free Tai Chi classes in Chetzemoka Park. It is amazing how infrequently we get rained out. The spirts of the Tai Chi Masters of old shine down on us. When I built the Studio, I and the other Instructors, taught all our classes there except for Saturdays in the Park. Since the pandemic started it has been only the Park. We all enjoy it so much. I wish each and every one of you who read these Tips could come and share with us. You are always welcome.