SC Musings for Nitya Gurukula

A New Me

March 31, 2025

Dear Readers, Welcome to SC Musings, Blog 33,

3 plus weeks have gone by in Coimbatore, and it feels a new me has emerged. Not only has my taichi upgraded, but, the transfer of learning in other domains brings a fresh approach. Let me attempt to reflect, conceptualise and express them in this Blog 33.

Nuances in the taichi forms, accompanied by the principles, which Paul- Dr. Lam, continues to enumerate, deepen our taichi practice. When these wisdom pearls seep in through:

# Yielding
# Absorbing
# Redirecting and
# Harmonising
transformation takes place.

Yielding happens when nuances and principles are operationalised in the movements. Using the NG Holistic Model, we understand that changes begin in the physical layer and dimension. However, the intent, known as yi in Chinese, triggers the change. Intent or yi is a combination of the emotional, cognitive and the spiritual layers respectively. Emotional readiness prepares the system to absorb the understanding, while the Cognitive understanding of nuances and principles leads to intent; and Energy or Chi in the Spiritual layer powers the expression of the understanding, which manifest in the Behavioural and Social layers in Time and Space.

Intricacies of the movement, from Physical, Emotional, Cognitive, Spiritual, Behavioral, Social, Time and Space dimensions may be viewed as Holistic dynamics taking place in the human system. These dynamics are occurrences which happen 24 hours a day, on all 365 days, continuously. Figure 33.1. captures the above mentioned progression from Emotional to Time and Space layers. What then caused the trigger within for the fresh approach in me. Response and explanation to this question follows Figure 33.1

Tracing the progression of inner dynamics, I discovered that in our daily lives, our intent is largely founded on habits- where we function in an auto-pilot mode. Even in the professional space, we operate based on our existing knowledge, skill sets and competencies- it feels like an automatic process which drives us from within. Even new learnings are absorbed by this space within.

The transformation which happened after my Taichi experiences with Paul and Rani was a total shake up of the configuration within. The new environment and inputs which I accepted, induced and brought a quantum shift within.

The quantum shift began manifesting in every sphere of my existence and subsistence. I began eating and sleeping better; meaningful communication personally and professionally began; and, despite the many shake ups due to social upheavals which life continues to throw, the experience of harmony and balance within was tangible. Also, my counselling and training interventions became powerful, and I began experiencing a freedom within despite limiting situations.

Figures 33.2. a.b.c. are reflections of the transformation within- the new me which emerged in the same body. So what’s the difference??

Transformations within bring changes in our core perceptions, which are embodied and contribute to quantum shifts within.

In his commentary on Narayana’s Guru’s Atmopadesa Sathakam, 9th verse, Nitya Guru (Yati, 2013)talks about the different levels of consciousness as the witnessing consciousness and the volitional consciousness . Witnessing consciousness is the silent and still observer within each of us; while volitional consciousness is consciousness which we are aware off (p.74, 75). Habits occur largely from the deep unconscious and pre-conscious states, which Guru Nitya identifies as our masks.

I am not attempting here to establish the superiority of one level of consciousness over the other- we require all of them, including our masks, because they give us Social protection. However, knowing the differences between them helps to be more conscious and aware.

Yes, being more conscious is in being present to the diverse stimuli within, and those emanating from others and our environment. Awareness is being present to the direction of our attention and choice of stimuli we respond to.

Expanding consciousness, choice of stimuli and our responses to them is facilitated by continuous practice of Taichi and application of Transactional Analysis philosophy and concepts in life. This process of practicing and application adds value to our People Work services, wherein we are present to our clients, trainees and/or supervisees, in a mindful, positive and proactive manner. This was evident in our introduction to NG Taichi Programs held on 27th March 2025 depicted in Figures.33.a.b.c.d.

Dr. Mridupashini, one of the Doyens of Women’s Health in India, and a well-wisher of Nitya Gurukula, emphasised the importance of total health, for the ‘body, mind and soul’ and committed to participating in NG Taichi Programs.

Dear Readers,

This Blog 33 is an attempt to make meaning of the new me, which emerged from my Master Trainership training.

Looking forward to meeting you in the next Blog with more on Consciousness and the Mind.

Reference

Yati, G. N. C. (2013). (original work published 2003). That alone, the core of wisdom:
A commentary on atmopadesa satakam, the one hundred verses of self-instruction of Narayana Guru. New Delhi: D. K. Printworld