It is believed by most that time passes;
in actual fact, it stays where it is.
This idea of passing may be called time,
but it is an incorrect idea,
for since one sees it only as passing,
one cannot understand that it stays just where it is.
(Dogen)
Instant
Our culture encourages people to seek
short-term gratification.
People debt-finance holidays, cars, clothing, social activities - rather
than saving and waiting.
Life is filled with conveniences that perform mundane tasks and make life
easy.
Lazy
Most people do not like the idea of exercising every day.
They feel cheated because the body
deteriorates and ages naturally.
The leisurely-oriented attitudes of modern life is responsible for
many of the problems we are now encountering.
We are rearing a world of spoiled, lazy children and child-like adults.
Easy is not necessarily better.
Obesity, depression and mental illness are on the rise globally,
as people sit back in their chairs and do less each year.
In some cases - cleaning, laundry, ironing, washing dishes, gardening are
all being done by other people.
Time is freed up, but to do what?
Sleep
Sleeping problems occur as a consequence
of
stress,
diet, noise pollution and physical apathy.
Many people feel drained each night, but their bodies are not actually
tired.
The fatigue stems from chemical imbalances within the body.
Additives, sugar, caffeine, and alcohol combine with overeating to make the
body restless and unsettled.
Slow fix
Dynamic Balancing Tai Chi is a
slow fix; it will not improve your health overnight.
Students must be committed to putting time aside every day to address
their health.
If you become
responsible for your own health and
wellbeing, it will improve.
Only through a commitment to weekly
lessons can you hope to benefit from tai chi; it is a slow
steady process of growth and development.
Activity
As well as the actual exercise itself, students are encouraged to do more
physical chores.
Walking, cleaning, laundry are all good activities for your body.
Be active.
Rather than drive everywhere, walk when you can.
Time
To heal, we must commit ourselves to a
healthier life.
Every day we waste in idleness is gone forever.
Time will not wait.
Page created 21 April 2005