Tai Chi, Lao Tsu & Quaker Worship

Come and explore the experience of body awareness, internal energy flow (chi) and meditative practice. You will be taught a simplified qigong form called Tai Chi Chih ®. If you have never done tai chi, you will learn to do the form. If you already know this form, you will deepen your experience. For more information see: http://taichichih.org We will practice this form daily to explore its physical, energetic and spiritual effects. At the same time, we will explore the Taoist philosophical roots of tai chi by reading selections of the Tao Te Ching. This foundational, contemplative text was written by the sage Lao Tsu. Its present form is a poetic masterpiece in 80 short chapters. Its written form probably first emerged about 2400 years ago. But its wisdom is much older and ancient. We will attempt to discover how Lao Tsu’s mystical poetry informs our movements and how our movements inform Lao Tsu; and how both affect our approach to living.

We will share thoughts, reactions, personal experiences and experiential exercises to investigate the interplay of body and spirit – a topic which umprogrammed Friends rarely discuss. Also, we will practice regularly and discuss silent waiting worship as used by unprogrammed Friends. Through living out these different practices we hope to discover how they inform, interplay and develop each other in our own, very personal self.

At workshop’s end, you will know the Tai Chi Chih form ®, be conversant in the basic principles of tai chi, the Tao Te Ching and silent waiting Quaker worship. More importantly, you will hopefully feel within you the texture, sensations and transformation these diverse practices can offer.

No prior experience or commitment in Tai Chi, Taoism or Quaker worship is necessary for this workshop. What is required is openness to explore experiences outside traditional boundaries. Tai Chi Chih ® is a series of slow, gentle movements, done standing. Thus, participants should be fit enough to stand and move on their feet for at least 45 minutes. Bring with you: loose fitting clothing, a blank note book and a pen, a copy of Tao Te Ching (my preferred translation is by Gia-Fu Feng and Jane English). It will be helpful if you read through this text at least once before you arrive at the Gathering. Also bring your sense of adventure!