| Today we live in a world that is more stressful | | | | the form in different ways, the purpose and the |
| than ever, and mind, body and soul retreats are | | | | philosophy behind them is the same - to revitalize |
| very popular, where people can get away from | | | | mind, body and soul. |
| the stresses and strains of everyday life. | | | | The Benefits of Tai Chi |
| One of the most popular of the growing number | | | | Tai Chi does the following: |
| of mind, body and soul retreats is Tai Chi. | | | | · Stimulates circulation. |
| Tai Chi is a non-strenuous art that is suitable for | | | | · Aligns the skeleton and joints. |
| everyone - young, old, fit, or not so fit. This is | | | | · Stimulates the organs of the body. |
| due to its gentle nature and this has been the | | | | · Helps digestion. |
| cornerstone of its growth in popularity. | | | | · Improves muscle tone and strength. |
| An Intensive Enjoyable Introduction to Tai Chi | | | | · Improves balance and co ordination. |
| Tai Chi is a practice of meditation within | | | | · Improves breathing. |
| movement - a series of movements performed | | | | Tai Chi does not just provide physical benefits - |
| in a slow relaxed and harmonized way and is the | | | | Tai Chi also focuses thought, so that mind and |
| Taoist Path to mental, physical, and spiritual well | | | | body energy work together as one. |
| being. | | | | People find that they are not just physically fitter |
| Tai Chi retreats act as an ideal introduction to this | | | | but, more alert more creative and generally |
| ancient art and aim to combine the basics of the | | | | happier. |
| art with a short holiday. | | | | Combining the above with a holiday gives you |
| This intensive style of introduction allows pupils to | | | | relaxation as well as health benefits - this is what |
| learn more quickly than at a weekly class and | | | | Tai Chi holidays are all about. |
| derive a greater understanding of the art. | | | | Choosing the Right Tai Chi Retreat |
| Settings | | | | There are many Tai Chi holidays and you should |
| Most Tai chi retreats offer sessions in relaxing and | | | | consider the following when selecting one: |
| scenic surroundings to enhance the overall affect | | | | · The retreat location |
| of Tai Chi. | | | | · What are the facilities? |
| A mix of water, woodland and peaceful, spacious | | | | · What is the background of the |
| areas are typical scenes that Tai Chi retreats try | | | | instructors? |
| to use, so that the venue makes learning a | | | | · What is the schedule? |
| pleasure and a joy. | | | | · What will you learn? |
| What Will You Learn? | | | | · Are the exercises performed outside or |
| Any introduction to Tai Chi will focus on the | | | | inside? |
| proper presentation of "the form" the basis of all | | | | All the above are obvious questions, but to get |
| the different types of Tai Chi. | | | | the most from your holiday make sure that you |
| Each Tai Chi style has its own distinctive way of | | | | have good instruction, in surroundings you are |
| presenting the form in terms of: | | | | comfortable with and using a schedule that suits |
| . The postures included. | | | | you. |
| . The order in which they appear. | | | | Any reputable Tai Chi teacher will be pleased to |
| . The way they are performed. | | | | answer any questions you may have and give |
| . How long the form actually takes to complete. | | | | you all the background information you need, to |
| Although the different styles of Tai Chi present | | | | make your holiday one you will never forget. |