| Tai Chi is known as a soft martial arts technique | | | | to spiritual growth, even if that is not what you |
| that emphasizes health, longevity and proper form | | | | were intending when you began the practice. |
| above self-defense. Tai Chi originated in China but | | | | Focusing inward to do the movements steadily |
| in recent years it has become popular around the | | | | and properly causes people to pay attention in a |
| world, particularly among older people looking for | | | | way they might not have for a long time |
| an exercise that is smooth and easy for them | | | | previously. This can help open you up to spirituality |
| but that also contains a mental or spiritual aspect. | | | | and a deeper feeling of connection with the world |
| The idea behind Tai Chi is that you are working to | | | | around you (especially when Tai Chi is practiced in |
| balance two extremes, the yin and yang. It works | | | | nature). |
| to balance the flow of energy through the body, | | | | If you are looking for spiritual growth through |
| which can improve: | | | | practice of Tai Chi, mindfulness is the key. Pay |
| *Blood circulation | | | | attention to your breathing, to what parts of your |
| *Body heat retention | | | | body are moving and which are standing still as |
| *Breath movement through the body | | | | you go through the movements, and where your |
| *Functioning of the lymph system | | | | balance is coming from. |
| Tai Chi also focuses on relaxation through slow, | | | | Move through the practice with thoughtfulness |
| repetitive movements rather than muscle | | | | and grace, and visualize yourself becoming more |
| contraction, which makes the exercise less | | | | in balance, both internally and with the world |
| stressful and more relaxing than other martial arts | | | | around you. Breathe in golden light and breathe it |
| styles. | | | | back out as your gift to the world. |
| Many think of Tai Chi as a moving meditation | | | | Whatever reason brings you to Tai Chi, you will |
| because there is so much focus on making | | | | find many health and spiritual benefits. Some |
| precise body movements, breathing steadily and | | | | studies have show Tai Chi may help people lower |
| seeking balance. The way Tai Chi is often | | | | cholesterol and improve cardiovascular and |
| practiced in Western countries the martial arts | | | | respiratory function. You may find you have more |
| self defense aspects are set aside for more | | | | literal balance as well as more grounding and |
| emphasis on the health and meditative aspects. | | | | spiritual balance after just a few weeks of regular |
| Like yoga, Tai Chi is a practice that can lead you | | | | Tai Chi practice. |