"You are under an illusion," said the master after a while,
"if you imagine that even a rough understanding of these dark connections
would help you.
These are processes which are beyond the reach of understanding.
Do not forget that even in nature there are correspondences which cannot be
understood,
and yet are so real that we have grown accustomed to them,
just as if they could not be any different."
(Eugen Herrigel)
Form
Form
is a sequence of movements performed in slow motion as a framework
for the study of neigong.
Different schools teach different forms.
Yang, Chen, Wu, Sun, Hao and Cheng Man
Ching are all different approaches to the same basic principles.
Energy
Energy fuels our body; enabling the brain to function, the organs to work
and the
muscles
to move.
Everything we do in life
involves the use of energy.
Chinese
medicine is concerned with improving the flow of energy within the body.
The energy is referred to as
qi
(pronounced 'chee').
Blockages
Modern life involves many activities that cause tension to build up in the
joints and spine.
Tensed muscles use a lot of energy and tire you out.
Tai chi aims to release tension, free the joints and encourage better
posture.
When the body is loose and mobile it promotes the flow of energy and this
improves your health.
Wellbeing
Tai chi will
help to ease
ailments and ensure a general sense of wellbeing.
By improving posture and movement, reducing
stress
and strengthening the flow of
energy -
a person grows stronger and is less likely
to become ill.
Tai chi involves a commitment to a healthier way of living that extends beyond
the actual class and is the perfect way to start each day.
Feeling good
At the end of a
tai chi session
you should feel very
relaxed but also alert and vigorous.
When the exercise becomes more dynamic you will receive a serious boost of
energy every time you train.
Harmony
Tai chi
has a
spiritual
component.
Ancient sages in China discovered that
nature had a way of doing things.
Certain natural laws were in existence.
By changing how you interact with the world, it is possible to have a more
fulfilling life.
This way was referred to as 'tao'.
Tai chi was designed to help people regain balance in their lives and feel
the nature of their relationship with the world around us.
Dynamic balancing
Dynamic balancing is the process of moving in physical and mental
harmony; it is the art of unity.
This process is represented by the yin and yang symbol.
Heavy is balanced by light, hard by soft, tension by relaxation ...
Everything works with its opposite, rather than against it.
In order to be healthy, the
human body must be physically and energetically balanced.
Tai chi is designed to bring harmony to both body and mind.
It explores the relationship you have with the world around you and how this
affects your wellbeing.
Once a person begins to find
balance, life seems easier and more enjoyable.
Discover for yourself
Tai chi cannot be learned by
copying
another person.
It has to be discovered through personal
experience.
A student must be
open and receptive
to new ideas, be willing to try things and find out for themselves.
Our lessons are designed to offer students the opportunity to explore
different approaches.
You learn to feel the
essence.
More...
Page created 8 January 1999