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The (Lunar New Year) Chinese New Year celebration begins this week. Our current year of 2016 is the year of the Fire-Monkey.

The term “Monkey Mind” is often used to explain our tendency toward overwhelming mental activity, or non-stop thinking (for good and for bad). A Monkey, however, does not mind!

A Monkey-year is purported to often be a busy one, with much to see and do. Although Balance is still useful, and some of us may tend to require more rest, relaxation, and opportunities to escape the Monkey Mind, many of us may discover that the heightened buzz of activity is easily accommodated.

Whatever the case may be for you this year, with the additional association of the Fire element, don’t be afraid to do what you do full-on. Surge forward toward goals, enjoy little things with great joy, and shake your tree branches from time to time!

  
Think about it. Imagine it. 

The faintest touch; fragility.

Could you feel the wings fluttering through your fingertips? Could you feel the tiny but fervently beating heart?

“Listening” is a skill. 

Ting Jin is the term often used to suggest Listening in a physical/kinetic manner. 

True skill in TaiChi depends, at least in part, on cultivating TingJin. When we can “hear” what is being “said” we can take correct action. 

This is the purpose of Sensing-Hands or Tui Shou excercises. Not to develop our own action (the form exists for that) but to practice Listening, to utilize TingJin.