Tai Chi

Control your Body, quiet your mind

What is Tai Chi?

Tai chi is a gentle form of exercise that brings health and vitality to every part of you!

It is based on the laws of Nature and Traditional Chinese Medicine. Sometimes tai chi is referred to as a "soft" martial art, since some of the moves are based on traditional martial arts, like karate or taekwondo. But tai chi is not practiced for self-defense, it is practiced for its wellness benefits.

There are several different families of tai chi, each with their own distinct style. Tai chi is learned as a sequenced series of moves that comprise what is called a form. The movements are slow and controlled, and as one move ends the next one begins. The form develops in a smooth, continuous flow.

Through practice, you learn the moves, develop the flow, and before you know it, you are enjoying the mindfulness of tai chi.

Tai Chi Principles

Tai Chi incorporates these six fundamental principles to guide your practice. Based on the writings of Dr. Paul Lam, these principles can be thought of in three distinct areas of focus:

Your Outward Movements
- Keep your movements slow, smooth, and continuous, like flowing water.
- Move as if against a gentle resistance, to cultivate your inner force.

Your Body Structure
- Keep your posture upright and relaxed, and rooted like a tree.
- Pay attention to your weight transfer, to build coordination and balance.

Your Internal Components
- Song, or loosen your joints, imagine stretching from within.
- Jing, or quiet your mind, stay focused on control of your movement.

Over time, you'll find that bringing the awareness of these fundamental principles to your practice will deepen your form and develop more of the wellness benefits of tai chi.

Why Practice Tai Chi?

There are many studies that confirm tai chi:

• has a positive impact on your overall immunity, strength, and balance; 

• improves quality of life for specific health conditions;

• provides socialization and a sense of community when you practice with others;

• brings a calmness, a clarity of mind, from the focused attention of your practice.

This quote often comes to mind when I play tai chi - "Don't hurry, don't worry, and don't forget to smell the flowers."

"Don't hurry..."  the slow movements of tai chi bring balance and strength to your body.

"Don't worry..."  the attention and focus of your practice helps quiet your mind.

"Don't forget to smell the flowers..."  be in the moment, experience joy!
(Walter Hagen, 1892-1969)