by Rick Barrett | Nov 16, 2019 | Integration, Meditation, Taiji
“Push. No push.” “Punch. No punch.” In my many years studying with him, Grandmaster William C. C. Chen would often exhort us to let go of excessive effort with paradoxical words like that. Taijiquan is filled with paradox, which can be...
by Rick Barrett | Dec 11, 2018 | Consciousness, Integration, Taiji
Anxiety can be crippling. And persistent. Here’s how Wikipedia describes it: Anxiety is an emotion characterized by an unpleasant state of inner turmoil, often accompanied by nervous behaviour such as pacing back and forth, somatic complaints, and rumination. It...
by Rick Barrett | Oct 9, 2018 | Consciousness, Event Recaps, Taiji
One of the highlights of Tai Chi Alchemy in Sedona 2018 was Maria Barrett’s presentation of “Touching and Feeling.” It is an important distinction and was illuminating to many. Discerning the difference is a key to understanding and cultivating ting...
by Rick Barrett | Nov 16, 2017 | Event Recaps
After 23 tries I think I’m starting to get the hang of this. The 23rd annual Tai Chi Alchemy in Sedona wrapped up a couple months ago and the magic is still very much alive for me. The love, laughter, and open-hearted appreciation of this group pervade my every...