They say whoever practices Tai Chi correctly and regularly, twice a day, over a period of time will gain the pliability of a child, the health of a lumber jack, and the peace of mind of a sage.
I started practicing Tai Chi again. Years ago I joined a class program on Tai Chi Chaun...the long form (108 postures). I had most of them down pat by the time I finished. But I did not, by any means, master the essence of this sport. I was a very outcome focused person then...intent on mastering skills especially where it came to physical fitness. My approach to Tai Chi now is much different. My goal is more on that which I deemed as "woo-woo" back then...the flow of Chi and wu-wei...which is the basic element of all martial arts ( and yes Tai Chi is a martial art...a beautiful dancing flow of effortless protection and defense). Though I am intent on learning all 24 moves of the short form ( Yang style...this time) I am embracing the learning of each form...one move at a time...and expereincing the delicate , often unseen, steps that exist in each individual posture. I spent hours yesterday on learning/re-learning the first three postures: Commencement, Parting the Horse's Mane, and White Crane Spreads Its Wings...and I will add a couple of new moves a day...until I am able to perform all 24 in a beautiful flow. I don't care how long it takes to learn them all...I will focus only on each daily practice as if it was to be my only practice.
I remember being told when I first joined up for the Tai Chi class in the 90's that it would take years to learn all poses and to be able to put them together. I scoffed a bit at the teacher thinking, "He doesn't know how determined I am...I will learn this flow in six months." I did but I really didn't "learn" anything...other than how to move the body. Sigh!
This time I am determined to do it slowly and to learn to "feel" the Chi moving through my body without effort or resistance. Sigh!
There is only one thing we must do to gain the marvelous benefits of Tai Chi...and that is to practice.
All is well!
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