What Are You Aware of?

My experience of Freudian psychoanalysis terminated 55 days ago. At times the absence is a delightful presence while at others, an open wound. My analyst assisted me (forced me?) to become aware of my dysfunctional patterns, distorted ways of thinking, while also pointing out blessings I took for granted by continually confronting me while I occupied her iconic couch.

Another way to describe our work together would be to say she helped me raise my level of consciousness. My memoir, Fear, Folly & Freud, is the story of how I became more aware not only of myself but of what Freud deemed reality.

One of the activities I let go of when in analysis was Tai Chi. There just wasn’t enough time. I failed to master the entire Yang 24 form but I came close. Practicing was exhilarating on the occasions when it felt my mind and body were seamlessly working together.

In the final days of analysis, quite by chance, I heard a friend mention taking Tai Chi Chih online. I didn’t know what the Chih meant so I began an investigation. I still don’t know what the Chih means but I know that Tai Chi Chih is a moving meditation created in 1974 by Justin Stone. I felt an inner sense that this was what I needed. Now I could again work with my body and mind together.

When I decided to write this post, I asked my new Tai Chi Chih teacher, Lorraine Lepine in Kansas City, Mo., if I could tell you about her. She said yes! You can find her at  www.lorrainelepine.weebly.com. She will be beginning a new class in January so you might want to check her website out.

Lorraine says that when practicing Tai Chi Chih, it is vital to keep your awareness in the soles of your feet.

Now I have an awareness of my shortcomings, my blessings, and the soles of my feet. What are you aware of?

The image of the Do Not Mow sign in the snowbank seemed the appropriate image to close out 2020.