Tai Chi offers its own dharma guardians, notably the five animal spirits — heron, dragon, monkey, tiger, snake — that provide it with inspiration. All are beautiful and endowed with particular powers. . . . When possible, it's beneficial to spend time around your inspiring animal, even if only at a game park. . . . Heron study is all about patience and admiration: a study in balance, poise, coolness, and sudden attack.

Trevor Carolan, Return to Stillness