Report From the Field#1- Notes on the Linear from the Heart of a Taiji Practice

One benefit of Taiji is its ability to provide you with a sense of circular energy and how, given the physical structure of the body, that circular energy can be used to direct ones movements.

My meditation here is on how Taiji helps one transcend linear thinking through practice. Linear thinking is an abstract concept; and in that way is in operation in countless activities. For many of us, metaphorically walking in a straight line represents a linear movement. However, how our physical structure generates that energy may not be. The goal here is to not give answers, which too is an expression of the linear with an answer representing some final destination.

As one continues to study Taiji one discovers how linear thinking in the body actually provides a cap to certain forms of awareness. Though we imagine linear thinking is not best and may discuss wholeness or holistic health, one question is where and how do we practice this?

Within Taiji the field of practice is ones body and allows for experience that combine mind, spirit, moment, body, and breath.

For those of us from the West, we should imagine the linear as a literal spiritual energy we invoke as we attempt to get certain tasks done. Though proven to be highly effective, there are also a wide variety of limitations. I will not list them here.

Practice is different than showing learning. Practice is delving into the context where learning occurs and uncovering-exploring the nuances of dynamic forces interacting.

In the end Taiji is art because it is practice. Discipline is required, but as time goes on, becomes less of a focal point. Discipline is not destination or accomplishment, but more so an essential requirement for the exchange to occur.

Practices are actually ways of using learning, what one knows, what one studies, as a guide. One way of saying it, is practice is knowledge as guide with being open to the interplay of a day's dynamic forces,. It is an experience where human consciousness records the interplay between the thing the mind has learned and seeks to implement in movement/dance/ concert with the dynamic nature of the day through the body as a vehicle.

The mind guides, but does not really know. The mind engages the principles and specifics, but practice syncs them with the dynamic principle.

All of this to say, I realize that my linear approach to things is changing. Especially in terms of practical matters, we are convinced that the linear is superior. However, recently, my practice has been telling me some of the obstacles to my practice are the ways I think linear. Granted I would have called myself a non-linear thinker twelve years ago when I started.