Tai chi

A few people have asked me over the past few weeks, "What is tai chi"? I think the best way to describe tai chi is "moving meditation". When we think of mediation we think of sitting still and trying to make our minds go blank. This will never work for me because that is the signal for psychic information to enter. It is turning ON the switch for me, not off. But there are some things that work for me, one of them is tai chi.

Tai chi is an ancient Chinese practice. When the Emporer decreed that the practice of martial arts was banned, the warriors found another way to keep fit and to work energy. They believed that moving energy was a big part of everything they did, including battle. We see it today in high tech martial arts films. People running through the air and jumping great distances. Tai chi is a part of that. It is making energy flow, opening channels and allowing the life force (chi) that is all around all of us to move through and around us.

There are many forms of moving energy and energy work. Tai chi is just one example. There are many tai chi classes available out there from slow and silent to more aggressive with the flavor of old combat, like sword tai chi or sparring.  There is a class and teacher for every student.

Tai chi helps us with balance, blood pressure and heart health. It helps any illness known to man, or at least the symptoms of that illness. You don't even have to do the movements to benefit from tai chi, just sitting in the room with others practicing the art will have health benefits.The energy moves around and through you, even if you are not moving. People who have trouble standing can do tai chi while sitting in a chair. It warms you, invigorates you, heals you, and enlightens you.

The moves also incorporate breathing to the movements, and this helps in not only the physical sense, but the mental and emotional as well. Moves can be done in a soft easy way, or in a more challenging way, enabling the practitioner to adjust the moves to his or her ability.

Here is an example of a tai chi form:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ejB-jBtZqqU&feature=related

I noticed that whenever I went to tai chi class with a headache, I left without it. It is an amazing thing that works quickly , easily, and smoothly.

The ancient art of tai chi is practiced in parks and city squares daily all over China. There is an "offical" form that people are allowed to do, so China is still in the "do as your leader tells you" mindset, but at least the people can practice the art.

There is so much more to tai chi. It has several styles, named by the families who designed the forms (series of movements). The forms have basically the same movements, but done with a slightly different flair to them. 

Tai chi is even taught in Universities as a PE credit in the US. It is going mainstream, and is fun, relaxing, and can even be challenging. If you are interested, and live in the Evansville area, let me know and I will refer you to some awesome teachers who can teach you this ancient art. You don't have to be athletic, or even fit to do tai chi, and the benefits are amazing while they increase your strength, health and fitness.


Peshaui Wequashimese



(C)2012 Dr.R M Wolf. May not be used, copied or reproduced without prior written permission.