Have you killed your practice?

Do you find your taiji, qigong or yoga practice left in the classroom and not helping to guide your life? To build the balance you need when you're challenged with trying times?

...these are the signs
your practice is dead.

I'm curious, is your thinking in the way of your being? 

The Tao Te Ching, centuries old, reminds readers to move back and notice that our thoughts are not here to dictate our actions, but to guide them.

Thoughts really are more poetry than they are directives.

If you've felt your life is dictated by the money you make, by the schedule you keep, by the obligations that are yours, these are the signs your practice is dead. Your practice is only working for the shell of your body.

There is no place for Shen (spirit).

Shen

When these signs come to your awareness, it's time to recalibrate. If you want to maintain balance, this is the time to own it - no matter the external influences that try to dictate your value: job, obligations, schedule, activities, participation. 

"There is a time for being ahead,
a time for being behind;
a time for being in motion,
a time for being at rest;
a time for being vigorous,
a time for being exhausted;
a time for being safe,
a time for being in danger.

One who is in balance sees things as they are,
without trying to control them.
She lets them go their own way,
and resides at the center of the circle."

-Lao Tzu    

I love the repetition of "there is a time..." And isn't there? Always? 

We see it in nature. The hurricane seems all-encompassing when we're experiencing it. We have no control over the effects - only of our response. If there is no Shen to maintain trust and rootedness even in the worst storm we collapse.

In the hurricane of our own emotions and thoughts, we have the ability to give time to stepping back and observe a bigger picture. With these patient practices rooted in Shen, we build the ability to zoom our awareness out and see that the hurricane, in the scope of our lives, is just a tiny whirl.  

Courtesy of earthobservatory.nasa.gov

You have a choice. Once you see the key in practicing anything while staying centered in your Shen, you'll feel and build the ability to be in balance.

The balance that Lao Tzu spoke about so many centuries ago is one where we feel calm, even in a hurricane.

 If your practice is fading, take action.

You can make the shift. I've seen so many people do it - even the ones who never thought it possible.  These are life-changing practices.  

When you're interested in knowing more - pop over to the main page. I have online courses, workshops coming up in Columbus. For those of you who have taken my Taiji For Balance class - either through me or one of my certified teachers - and are looking to become certified, we have a Level 1 Taiji For Balance Certification Training in Clintonville, Ohio Friday and Saturday, September 20th and 21st!