Tolle and Embodied Tai Chi

Eckhart Tolle can add to our understanding of Embodied Tai Chi. While his discourse is not directly about Tai Chi or even the methodology used in it's practice his writings do illuminate our practice.

This article will attempt to compare some relevant points from his work 'The Power of Now' (Tolle 2005) with the practice of Embodied Tai Chi. A comparison founded in the somatic experience of Tai Chi practice that may in turn reflexively add to Tolle's teaching.

'Chi is the link between the Unmanifest and the physical universe.' (Tolle 2005 p.109)

Tolle adopts a Daoist understanding describing Wu Chi or nothingness as the 'Unmanifested' and the 'Source'. Stating that Chi is defined as movement while the Unmanifested is stillness.

Chi is described as 'the inner energy field of the body' (Tolle 2005, p.108).

Perhaps a more down to earth description from Embodied Tai Chi is that Chi is perceived as a proprioceptive sensation and feeling within the body. We develop a greater sensitivity towards the flexing of muscles, tendons and facia during Tai Chi movement and the action of reverse abdominal breathing.

Paying attention towards these inner sensations during Tai Chi movement may well distract from the mind's incessant inner dialogue described by Tolle. The result of this paying inner attention when practicing Tai Chi may explain what has been described as feeling relaxed, calmness or contentment.

Tolle states that Chi comes into being from the 'Unmanifested' as movement. The opposites of movement are traditionally referred to as 'Yin' and 'Yang'. The body flexing one way or another.

Through paying inner attention to this flexing while practicing Tai Chi movement we become increasingly more sensitive or perceptive towards these inner sensations.

Tolle further suggests that this conscious inner focus results in an awareness of our inner 'Source, the Unmanifest' (Tolle 2005, p.109). Perhaps this is the same as the variously described 'contentment' or 'calm stillness' reported by Tai Chi students.

Importantly Tolle suggests that we can extending this internal awareness into everyday life through not giving '100 percent attention to the external World and to the mind'. This is something we explore in Tai Chi Walks.

This simple act of inner awareness using indigenous teaching can as Tolle (2005, p.109) puts it be likened to a bridge between the 'Unmanifested and the physical world', 'between God and the world' or even 'enlightenment'. A practice that deepens our relationship with others and nature, something we touch on in Awe Tai Chi.

In conclusion this article has explored Tolle's discourse on expanding our perception, our relationship with other beings and the natural World.

It has suggested that a somatic approach to Tai Chi may provide some practical ways for people to take the first steps on this journey. A mindful movement for people who find meditation challenging.

The traditional indigenous methods that have been developed in order to enhance our inner awareness within Embodied Tai Chi have also been incorporated in a simplified system - Embodied Qigong. It is suggested that these practices may, like the methods described by Tolle, provide a more accessible approach towards unlocking a deeper understanding of our self, others and the natural world.

Reference

Tolle Eckhart (2005) The Power of Now: London, Huddersfield and Stoughton, first published 1999, discovered in a charity shop Lyme Regis on 22nd December 2024