| Observing a Tai Chi practitioner as they go | | | | exercises to imitate the movements of the |
| through a combination of slow, relaxed and | | | | animals he observed and studied. The most basic |
| graceful movements (sometimes also called | | | | form of Tai Chi incorporates 13 simple |
| forms or postures) is one of the most beautiful | | | | movements, while more comprehensive styles of |
| things to sit and take in. Watching them, as they | | | | Tai Chi are made up of dozens of forms, |
| move in an almost hypnotic and controlled slow | | | | postures or movements. |
| motion flow (which almost seems effortless) while | | | | In Tai Chi, the practitioner's relaxed body is in |
| in a meditative state is truly fascinating and | | | | almost constant motion, one graceful movement |
| somewhat mysterious. As an accomplish Martial | | | | flows seamlessly into the next as their minds are |
| Artist and a Certified Personal Trainer, I have | | | | calm, clear of any distractions, totally focused and |
| always been drawn to and very intrigued by this | | | | their breathing is deep, rhythmic and controlled. It's |
| ancient Chinese Mind-Body art of Tai Chi. | | | | clearly, meditation in motion. |
| Although it is actually hard to pinpoint the exact | | | | There are several components that make up Tai |
| date that Tai Chi originated, it is thought to have | | | | Chi, the Physical, the Mental and the Spiritual. |
| been developed around the 12th century A.D. in | | | | Chinese philosophy is deeply rooted in Tai Chi, |
| China. In the beginning, the practice of Tai Chi was | | | | without getting to into it, one of the better |
| originally intended as a means of self-defense, a | | | | known concepts that applies to Tai Chi, is Yin and |
| martial art form (Tai Chi Chuan) but over time | | | | Yang. These are the two principles that are |
| people became very aware of the many health | | | | believed to make up the Universe. Yin and Yang |
| benefits of the practice of Tai Chi. | | | | are opposites of each other and should always be |
| Like other mind-body practices such as Yoga, one | | | | kept in balance. Yin and Yang are used to describe |
| of the major benefits of Tai Chi practice is stress | | | | how opposing forces are bound together, |
| relief. Not only does Tai Chi's controlled breathing | | | | inter-connected, inter-wined. (female/male, light |
| and flowing, graceful movements help quiet and | | | | dark, high/low, soft/hard). Yin is characterized as |
| clear the mind, it also relieves built up tension | | | | female; soft, diffused, tranquil, wet, slow, liquid and |
| throughout your entire body. As your mind | | | | associated with feminine, birth and with night. |
| focuses on being in the "present moment," a | | | | Yang by contrast is: hard, fast, solid, dry, |
| state of immense relaxation takes command. The | | | | aggressive, hot and associated with masculinity |
| real world is quickly left behind and the wonderful | | | | and daytime. There is a beautiful saying, "Life is |
| feeling of calm is present; you will carry this with | | | | the Blended Harmony and Perfect Balance of Yin |
| you long after your Tai Chi session has ended. | | | | and Yang." |
| You will be rejuvenated, refreshed and as I like to | | | | As I mentioned before Tai Chi is within reach for |
| say, repaired. | | | | everyone. You don't have to be an advanced |
| Tai Chi also increases muscle strength and greatly | | | | athlete, in perfect shape or young in age. |
| improves balance and agility. It develops over-all | | | | Everyone from kids, teens, adults and seniors can |
| coordination, reduces anxiety and depression, | | | | reap the benefits that Tai Chi has to offer and |
| increases alertness during the day and improves | | | | enjoy the experience. Since Tai Chi emphasizes |
| the quality of sleep at night. The regular practice | | | | technique over strength, women should have no |
| of Tai Chi can also reduce high blood pressure, | | | | fear. |
| improve cardiovascular fitness, endurance and | | | | With Tai Chi there is no costly equipment to |
| relieves many types of chronic pain. Tai Chi is | | | | purchase, no special clothing or footwear to buy. |
| practiced by many for exercise as well as for | | | | Tai Chi can be done inside or out, by your self or |
| health management and can be done by just | | | | in a group. Many people's first Tai Chi experience |
| about anyone no matter what their age or | | | | is via an instructional DVD in the comfort of their |
| current fitness level. Being an extremely low | | | | own living room. This is fine if it's a tape with high |
| impact activity, it's fairly easy on the body, but | | | | production value and if it's the only thing available |
| being a load or weight bearing exercise, the | | | | to you for whatever reason, there are some |
| benefits are many, for example: increased bone | | | | great DVD's available today. |
| density and toned muscles. | | | | However, if you are fortunate to have the |
| As I began my study and practice of both Tai Chi | | | | means, there is really no replacing taking a "face |
| and Yoga, I was amazed of the many similarities | | | | to face" class with a qualified teacher. Especially in |
| there are between both art forms and practices. | | | | the beginning, an instructor can easily guide you |
| There are many different styles in both art | | | | through the movements and make any |
| forms, but their paths cross continually (Tai Chi | | | | necessary and important adjustments needed, |
| originating from China and Yoga from India) and | | | | this way you are learning the correct movements |
| the mind and body seem to wind up in the same | | | | and breathing, rather then developing bad habits, |
| place. I often think that there must have been an | | | | which are sometimes hard to break later down |
| amazing energy flow or life force in that part of | | | | the road. Some people start out with the DVD |
| the world at one time, since many of the healing | | | | and once hooked move quickly to a class. |
| and martial arts practiced today have surfaced | | | | Some people enjoy the social aspect of a |
| throughout those lands. | | | | class-environment, while others prefer to practice |
| Tai Chi, roughly translated means "balance of the | | | | alone in their own private setting. Finding a qualified |
| opposing forces of nature or internal martial art." | | | | teacher/instructor is easier than ever these days |
| As we are not clear on the date that Tai Chi | | | | with the use of the Internet, whether you choose |
| originated, the accounts of its deep history | | | | private instruction in your home or choose to |
| fluctuates greatly, as with many martial arts, a lot | | | | attend a group class. |
| of the Tai Chi history was never recorded in | | | | Although the practice of Tai Chi is considered |
| word form, but rather it was passed on by word | | | | very safe, easy on the body and is proven to |
| of mouth, from generation to generation, from | | | | promote good health, consider talking to your |
| master to student. | | | | health care provider before starting a program. |
| The one person whose name surfaces frequently | | | | This is particularly important if you have problems |
| and who is said to be one of the innovators is a | | | | with your joints, spine, lungs or heart. |
| 12th century, Chinese Taoist Monk named | | | | So, now that you have a basic understanding in |
| Chang-San-Feng. | | | | regards to the wonders of Tai Chi, go out there |
| History states that this Taoist Monk had | | | | and experience it first hand. I'm sure it will take |
| observed five very different animals in nature, | | | | you no time to enjoy the peace and serenity |
| the Tiger, Dragon, Leopard, Snake and Crane. He | | | | through Tai Chi's gentle, graceful movements |
| then created a set of movements, forms or | | | | while you connect the body and mind. |