Compassion as Sensation

Wong Douglas and Wong Douglas (2023) consider the benefits of compassion as practiced within the mindful movement of Tai Chi. In particular they discuss the potential to slow the aging process. Now I need to be clear that nearly thirty five years of practice has not prevented me looking like my Dad. Yet the concept of compassion is one of the principles of Embodied Tai Chi. The intention of compassion helps to limit mental and physical tension allowing the body to remain open, calm and connected.

However, I would suggest that compassion is more than a state of mind. Compassion can be perceived as a physical internal sensation or feeling. Tai Chi and Qigong posture and breathing can be used with active awareness of our internal sensations. Particularly paying attention to how our practice influences tension in the face, neck, chest and abdomen. This embodied - somatic approach to Tai Chi may represent a mind body validation of compassionate practice and a potentially useful intervention with symptoms of Compassion Fatigue.

David Hunt Tai Chi 25th December 2023

Wong Douglas Bill and Wong Douglas Angela (2023) Meditating on Kindness: Tai Chi Chaun & Internal Arts, Journal of the Tai Chi Union of Great Britain, no70 December 2023.