"Students of the martial arts in the West feel that they must use their art to fight, or at least to compete, to show people how good they are. In tai chi, this is unacceptable, because that is against the principle of tai chi. "
(Gabriel Chin)
Peace of Mind with Tai Chi
When it comes to exercise of the body, and the mind, so many of us have bought into the “no pain no gain” way of thinking. If exercise doesn’t wear us down or make us feel sore in the morning then it cannot be doing any good, right? We are often told that if our diet plan doesn’t leave us craving for more, then we need to eat even less. Is this really how we need to go about things or is there a more, natural and effective way?
There is and that is what Tai Chi, Tai Chi Wu and Tai Chi Yang try to teach us. Whether you choose to make Tai Chi a part of your every day life or just learn from the values and lessons within it, you will benefit.
How Can Something So Easy Be So Beneficial?
I already know the preconceptions that come with Tai Chi. People just assume that anything that looks so easy, and feels so easy, cannot possibly bring about a physical change. Of course it looks relaxing and feels refreshing but there cannot possibly be any health benefits, can there? I am tired of people using the phrase no pain, no gain. Some of the best things that have happened in my life have come about without any pain at all.
While some of the benefits of tai chi may be less than earth shattering they are there and as we all know, every little bit helps.
Healthy Benefits of Tai Chi
Many practitioners of Tai Chi have noted benefits including a resurgence of muscle control and even rapid recovery from illnesses, diseases and surgical operations. While the benefits are not always that spectacular or rewarding, the art of Tai Chi really does prove that some of the best things in life can be slow, calculated and peaceful. Some people have found it easier to walk, easier to do everyday things, and that they have more stamina and energy on an everyday basis thanks to Tai Chi. Others just have a more optimistic outlook and general appreciation of life through the philosophies of Tai Chi Chuan, Tai Chi Yang or any other Tai Chi form that they let into their lives.
But how? But why? How can something so graceful and slow actually have a positive effect on our health and our bodies? Some people attribute it all the way back to traditional Chinese medicine while others believe it has a lot more to do actually body mechanics. The truth is that whatever opinion you choose to believe, you can enjoy the health benefits of Tai Chi as long as you have an open mind.
Traditional Chinese Medicine Philosophy
From this perspective of Tai Chi, it is believed that health benefits come about from your own personal energy and overall well being. Each Tai Chi form is built around the idea that the body consists of a sort of electric, energy system. This energy, or Qi, is carried throughout the body the same way that blood flows through the veins and any interruption of the flow of the Qi can lead to mental and physical illness. Thus, the movements that are the basis of all forms of Tai Chi are intended to stimulate the Qi to flow freely through the body and to the major organs. When the Qi can run freely through the body, people are well. While this idea is not generally accepted by Western philosophy, it is often very hard to argue with the results.
The Western Philosophy of Tai Chi
The idea that is more generally accepted in the Western World is that Tai Chi benefits the body and mind through mechanical effects. The repetition and focus on correct spinal alignment, body posture and the release and tension of pressure can relieve stress on joints, pain in the back, and even improve the digestive system.
The main movement that is consistent in all forms of Tai Chi is the shift of weight from joint to joint with a focus on proper balance. This allows for a natural flow of nutrients to the joints which makes it easier to move and stretch later on. While the exercises and positions of Tai Chi may look easy, you are actually incorporating a number of free flowing movements at once which increases your flexibility and overall range of motion.
It doesn’t feel like work and it doesn’t wear you down, yet you still get a number of invigorating and life changing benefits. That isn’t even to mention the psychological benefits that can come from slowing down, taking the time for yourself and screening out all distractions. You get a healthier, more flexible, and more in tune body, along with complete peace of mind. It doesn’t get much better than that.
How to Get Started and Learn Tai Chi
If you want to get started with Tai Chi you have a number of options available to you. You can learn from Tai Chi masters and look for local classes in your area or invest in Tai Chi DVD’s or books. If you want a first hand lesson then you might want to take a look at Taoist.org which can help you find local classes that are lead by experienced trainers. The best part about those classes is that the setting is very relaxed and easy going which cuts away any apprehensions you might have about entering a classroom setting.
While there are videos that can teach you Tai Chi form and the movements, books around often the best way to go about really getting in touch with the spirit of mind that Tai Chi teaches you to embrace. One of the best options on the market is “The Complete Book of Tai Chi Chuan” which is practical and comes complete with illustrations and step by step instructions. It isn’t overwhelming if you are just getting into the basics of movement, power and flexibility and is just in-depth enough to make a true impact on your life………mind, body and spirit.
"Tai chi does not mean oriental wisdom or something exotic. It is the wisdom of your own senses, your own mind and body together as one process. " (Chungliang Al Huang)
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