Tai chi: Slow and steady wins the human race

Taoist Tai Chi Class (Photo by Diana)

Tai chi, like yoga, has been popularized to the extent that it is often thought of as only a physical exercise.

For example, Reuters recently reported that tai chi "improves mobility, movement and flexibility…"  However, the same source of this information – Hawaii fitness trainer Jordan Forth – also stated that tai chi cultivates awareness and a sense of being grounded.  

Wikipedia explains that tai chi is an offshoot of t'ai chi ch'uan, the latter of which "evolved in agreement with many Chinese philosophical principles, including those of Taoism and Confucianism."  Tai chi is a meditative type discipline that "helps to bring about a state of mental calm and clarity."  

According to the Taoist Tai Chi Society, the mental relaxation that practitioners experience results in the brain needing less blood and nutrients.  The rest of the body is therefore able to receive more of

these life-giving components.    

The mind is far from being shortchanged.  Stillness is seen as its "original nature" and thus results in more "focused concentration" abilities.  The Society also states that the aim of tai chi is to eliminate egotistical habits "so that our original nature of goodness can again shine brightly, guiding our thoughts and actions."

Resources

http://news.yahoo.com/tai-chi-getting-more-slowly-gracefully-intact-061515302.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taoist_Tai_Chi

Copyright June 19, 2013 by Linda Van Slyke   All Rights Reserved