Haiku: Harmony of Tai Chi

I’ll start this post with a poem that contributor Howard Rosenberg wrote and then share my thoughts about it.

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Warm breeze spreads the leaves
arms rise—palms hide from the sun
breath drifts out and back

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Introduction

The haiku reflects the harmony between movement, breath, and nature in Tai Chi. Each line emphasizes how Tai Chi is a practice of gentle, flowing action, where the practitioner moves in sync with their body and the world around them. The imagery of the breeze, the rising arms, and the drifting breath conveys a sense of calm, balance, and interconnectedness.

It reminds us that Tai Chi is not just a physical exercise but also a mindful, unifying one, where every movement is in harmony with both the body within and the environment without.

Warm breeze spreads the leaves

This opening line creates a tranquil, natural scene, evoking calm and openness. The breeze reflects Tai Chi’s gentle, unhurried flow, moving with grace. The image of leaves spreading suggests the gradual, controlled expansion of a Tai Chi movement—like arms extending outward in a smooth, near-effortless flow—allowing energy to unfold naturally rather than being pushed or strained.

Arms rise—palms hide from the sun

In Tai Chi, movements are not rigid or isolated; they flow in sync with external forces like gravity, air, and even the presence of others. The phrase “palms hide from the sun” suggests an intentional response to light, as if the practitioner is adjusting to the natural world rather than resisting it. This reflects Tai Chi’s emphasis on adapting to external conditions, much like how water flows around obstacles instead of pushing through them.

Instead of moving mechanically, Tai Chi encourages practitioners to be in tune with the energy around them, similar to how a leaf sways with the wind rather than standing stiffly against it.

The act of concealing the palms could symbolize an awareness of changing forces, much like shading one’s eyes when the sun is bright—not as a reaction of discomfort, but as a natural adjustment.

This motion is not just about physical movement but about being present and responding to the moment. Tai Chi practitioners adjust their movements based on breath (not all do), balance, and external influences, reinforcing the idea that the practice is about flowing with the world rather than against it.

A Tai Chi practitioner is “attuned to the environment,” moving with awareness, adaptability, and balance, as is done when they adjust their palms to the sun, shift their stance with the breeze, or move in harmony with gravity. It’s about being fully present and responsive to the world around them.

Breath drifts out and back

Breath is not just a physical function but an integral part of Tai Chi. Even when breathing is not directly integrated into movement, such as inhaling while raising the arms, checking the diaphragm to ensure you’re breathing into the belly rather than the chest can foster mindfulness and strengthen the connection between body and mind.