The Subversive Essence of Tai Chi
Tai Chi is, in a profound sense, strikingly subversive—and that very subversiveness is what makes it endlessly fascinating.
We book a session or step through the door of an internal martial arts school fully prepared to accept that chi—the life force—lies at the core of the experience. We readily embrace foundational concepts from traditional Chinese medicine and philosophy: the lower dan tian as an energy center below the navel, the flow through meridians (channels), rooting for stability, the unification of mind, body, and intention to generate effortless power, and the paradoxical use of relaxed awareness to neutralize force.
Yet, when confronted with the unfathomable reality of these principles in practice—when they shift from intellectual ideas to tangible, lived sensations—something unexpected stirs within us.
Reactions vary widely: from brutal rejection or skepticism, to quiet curiosity and profound awe. These responses arise naturally because Tai Chi quietly upends deeply ingrained views of the body, energy, and reality itself.
This inner dialogue is not a flaw in the practice—it is part of its depth. The art invites us to observe these reactions without judgment, allowing them to soften over time through patient embodiment. What begins as strange or improbable often reveals itself as elegantly practical, fostering greater ease, resilience, and presence in daily life.
In our private sessions, we create a safe, discerning space for this exploration—honoring both the tradition's wisdom and your personal journey into its mysteries.
