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The benefits from learning and practicing t'ai chi chih are impressive. I know this from my own experience and as a teacher talking to countless students and other teachers. The most common benefit is serenity. There is the serenity while doing the flowing movements. And there is serenity that can spill over into daily life. Moodiness, irritability, and hyperactivity often lessen. Who among us can say they are not looking for more serenity, calmness, and peace? The practice can be seen as a moving meditation. Such active meditation may attract those who are restless by nature, who find sitting meditation too vague and difficult. At the physical level, many have achieved substantial results in lowering blood pressure and cholesterol, improving balance, increasing energy, healing of bone diseases like arthritis and osteoporosis, lessening and eliminating knee and back pain, correcting weight imbalances, treating asthma, and reducing the symptoms of diseases of the nervous system such as fibromyalgia, multiple sclerosis, and Parkinson's disease. I have been practicing t'ai chi chih for three years. I was accredited as an instructor in November of 2002. After many years of yoga and cardiovascular exercises, I decided to learn a new gentle discipline that would put no stress on the bones, flow like a dance, and add to longevity. I had previously tried t'ai chi chuan, but found this martial art to be too arduous and complex. The benefits I have received were relatively quick and unexpected. No longer are my hands and feet cold in the winter. My cholesterol lowered despite the fact that I had reduced my aerobic exercises substantially. My knees and ankles became stronger. A painful bursitis in my left toe area subsided. My most important benefit, however, has been mental. Doing the practice brings me rather quickly into serenity. The soft, continuous flowing movements helps me shift into the relaxation response effects of deep breathing, lower blood pressure and heart rate, relaxed muscles, and less thoughts. This is a real advantage especially at those times when I wish to counter turbulent and upsetting emotions. Now I am fortunate to have added to my daily morning sitting meditation a t"ai chi chih moving meditation during another part of the day. They both help me empty my mind. In this regard, Justin Stone has written: "Words play no part, nor do concepts. The chi knows well enough what to do without an intellectual road map. All the practiser has to do is to enjoy it and reap the benefits of renewed life force." What are some of the main principles of t'ai chi chih that can lead to far reaching bodily and mental benefits? Three S's in the movements are the most important factors in moving and balancing the chi- Soft, Slow, and Smooth. There is emphasis in the full shifting of weight from one leg to the other (yinging and yanging). Concentration can be on the soles of the feet or on the rhythmic movement of the abdominal center. Energy comes up from the ground or floor, radiates from the abdominal center, and is drawn in from the air as the arms move. Many of the arm and wrist movements are circular and oblong. This positioning is auspicious since it is in harmony with the universe, such as the round shape of the earth, sun, moon, and our cells. You can find out more about t'ai chi chih via the website www.taichichih.org. It is best to learn in a group or individual lessons. As adjuncts to learning, there are three helpful tools. There is Justin Stone's videotape, audiotape, and photo text. They can be ordered toll free at 1-888-540-7459. Consider learning t'ai chi chih. With practice, the window of possibility to intended and unintended physical benefits will be opened. Similarly, in the mental sphere, the door will be opened to what many Asians experienced thousands of years ago and still experience: "serenity in the midst of activity". ®t'ai chi chih is a federally registered trademark <<<<Page 1 |
