|
What is Tai Chi?
Tai Chi is slow motion Kung Fu, it's like swimming in air.
Tai Chi, translated 'Supreme Ultimate' in its original form was practiced for fighting. A form of boxing that includes inner strength. Tai Chi is now used for exercise and meditation.
The movements in Tai Chi have been derived from Martial Arts that imitated postures and strikes of animals and birds. These sequences of movements are called forms or sets. These forms are performed slowly and gracefully with smooth changes between them. Your breathing controls the transition into each posture.
Tai Chi can be used to promote the development of the Chi', which in Chinese culture is 'Life Force'. Mind and body are not separate, they are different expressions of Chi. Tai Chi was originally a way to prepare and harmonize the body, mind and spirit, to attain oneness with in ones self, and then to cease in feeling apart from all of creation.
The Chinese believe that good balance of the body as well as the mind is a major factor in promoting longevity. Tai Chi proves to be an effective method of improving balance, and therefore Tai Chi is an effective fall prevention therapy for the elderly.
Health advantages of Tai Chi lie in its breathing method and pronounced movements. Tai Chi is a series of fluid motions that are circular, slow, and together form a single larger posture. Deep breathing helps decrease stress. The shifting of your weight and upper body movements promote total fitness.
According to the Chinese, Tai Chi gives you the flexibility of a child, the vitality of a lumberjack, and the wisdom of a sage. Other benefits include the improvement of strength, coordination, metabolism, circulation, relaxation, and inner awareness. It also reduces the effects of stress, improves immune function, lowers blood pressure and results in stronger bones. Tai Chi strengthens and conditions without impacting the joints, boosts energy levels, even helps increase concentration and mental clarity.
Tai Chi is a form of moving meditation.
Some view meditation as a quiet kind of contemplation or thinking, while others view it as "non-thinking"- a tool used to realize your original nature (Chi'). It is a quieting of the mind, body, and spirit. This can be done while sitting, standing, lying down or moving. Meditation is a practice of being "in the moment". As your mind starts to wonder, you watch your thoughts and then bring your attention back to the moment. View your wandering mind without judgment and without being identified with the mind as being you. It is not you it is just your mind. The original you, is beyond mind, ego, and personality. Tai Chi is a way to do this. Your body and mind continually give knowledge of the results in changes that are taking place while advancing to each posture of the Tai Chi form.
With Tai Chi you can achieve an even minded awareness of the present, "being in the moment". You will develop a deeper self-knowledge, understanding, and clarity of mind.
| 
Processing ....