A day in the park
The other day I was practicing Tai Chi Ch'uan in my little spot in Elizabeth Park in Bellingham. I was in the midst of many old growth trees, some may have
been 500 or 600 years old. They were so powerful, a living force of nature. Naturally my movements began to pattern themselves after the trees and I began to feel my roots strengthen as I stepped and allowed myself to sink more deeply into the earth. I enjoyed this power, as the trees seemed to be teaching me. Then my gaze ascended and as I looked into the canopy I saw an amazing sight. All of the leaves at he tops of the trees were trembling in response to the barest breeze. And I realized the trees were Tai Chi and while they tapped into the earth for their strength, they were simultaneously aware of the slightest stimuli, they were connected to and reacting with everything. It was a beautiful fall day. Thank you trees.
I like your observation of the treetops. I always seek for a way to encourage my students as they play to keep their heels on the ground, rather than pushing forward on the ball of the foot (something new players want to do). I have told them that strength flows from the ground, using some examples from my senior Sifu, Chen Sitan, but I like your observation, which is much better suited to the western mindset of our older players. May I use it?