The mind has 2 enemies. Apathy and distraction. There are people that appear to be doing perfect meditation, standing practice and slow tai chi but are in fact faking it by using one of these two enemies of a mindful state.

I used to look at these people in awe, not realising that they were ‘mindless’ instead of ‘mindful’, that there was nothing positive going on inside that unfocused shell. Some people are naturally lazy and find it easy to be doing nothing by faking meditation but as soon as something ‘rattles their cage’ in life, they go to pieces. Others kept their mind distracted with unskillful thoughts while wearing a meditation mask.

Meditation, standing practice and tai chi are intense. We need awareness, focus, sensitivity and intensity for them to work their magic. We have to stimulate our energy, focus it, be sensitive to it and be able to ‘colour’ it for purpose across a broad spectrum by alchemising it with a practised emotional intelligence. This is a process that differs for each person and for which there are no short cuts.

Meditation and its macrocosm, life, is a journey. Every step can make us better or worse. It’s personal and a teacher having made the journey can act as a guide but that’s all, look through the teacher’s mask, past the clothes, environment and clever talk to differentiate the genuine and right teacher for you from those that won’t help your development.

If you would like details of my 2025 Shi Kon Tai Chi Coaching click here:
https://rb.gy/ag9tv8