Trinity Tai Chi Lesson 1: "Take My Yoke Upon You..."

Heavy Shoulders

When we do Tai Chi, I often say, “Heavy shoulders.” This is to encourage letting go of the shoulders instead of holding them up and carrying tension in them, which is common for most of us.

But what if we thought of placing His yoke on our shoulders instead of “heavy shoulders?”

We would think His yoke would be heavy, even burdensome. Can you imagine? Truly the weight of the world on your shoulders?

Ah….but His yoke is light — it is gentle and humble. His yoke actually gives us rest and restores our soul because He is taking our own yoke from us by joining with us.

Like Tai Chi concepts, the weight of the yoke is opposite of what we initially might think. It is the joining of His yoke on our shoulders that creates a union, a oneness with Him - a union where we do not have to work so hard. Where we can let go of our own worries and efforts (manifested physically in our tense shoulders and neck), and we can find rest and renewal in our soul.

Instead of “heavy shoulders” in our Tai Chi stance, let us put on His yoke — which is both measuredly heavy (because it is His yoke) and light - because it takes our need to try, to exert effort, to carry a burden….away.

Prayer:

Lord,

Let us relinquish our own yoke and feel Yours upon our shoulders,

feeling the comfort of your union with us,

so we can let go.

In taking Your gentle and humble yoke upon us

We find rest, renewal, and blessed quiet for our souls.

Amen

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Putting in into Movement: Standing Meditation with Heavy Shoulders.

As you stand in your Tai Chi stance, bit by bit, inch by inch, let go of your shoulders. Imagine God's Yoke (or hand) resting on your shoulders; at once heavy with comforting presence, but light with the removal of your own efforts. With it, comes a knowingness that you are not alone, that once you are able to relinquish, even if a little bit, your burden is instantly made lighter.

You can then be aware throughout your day. Place his Yoke on your shoulders and feel His presence as you move through your day.