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This “momentary” pause that now continues into a third month is encouraging many of us to reset our lives. We are learning to let go of things we really don’t want any more; things that may be holding us back from progress.
In Clearwater, Ruth Pittman teaches tai chi, which can be a unique way to make personal progress. She has relayed the following information.
What is tai chi?
Tai chi has been appreciated for thousands of years by Chinese practitioners, and in contemporary times, our research also shows it to be beneficial for the body, mind and spirit. It is actually a system of coordinated posture, movement, breathing and meditation used for the express purpose of engaging health and spirituality in one’s various organs and total organism.
Tai chi is the most popular exercise in the world, likely because anyone can practice it regardless of age or fitness level. The benefits include help in recovering from an illness and strengthening of the immune system. It goes far beyond regular exercise in that it enhances the health and performance of all the organs and systems of the body. Tai chi works on a deep emotional level, putting one in touch with the body’s needs, strengthening the body, calming the emotions, stimulating the brain and releasing considerable personal creativity in the process.
People also notice an overall improvement in balance after starting the practice, helping one feel stronger and firmer on the feet. Moreover, one becomes more relaxed, circulation improves, and joints become more mobile.
This 2,000-plus year-old practice started in the Eastern part of the world, practiced by monks as an exercise and also for self-defense. Based on the movements of animals, some of the motions include “white crane” as it spreads its wings, “grasp the bird’s tail”, “repulse the monkey”, “high pat on the horse’s forehead”, “hit the tiger” and “parting the wild horse’s mane”. Movements were actually based on watching these animals move in nature.
For more information, call Ruth Pittman at 727-726-0336.
How can I learn more?
There are many online opportunities as well for practicing tai chi and more accessible qigong. One example is Steven Michael Pague’s site, waterfallqigong.com
Pague calls his online and YouTube communities together in resonance and resilience for opportunities to share together in this “weird” time. We can share chi energy by recognizing spiraling life forces bubbling and connecting us, he says.
He also speaks of the mind as much greater than the brain. Pague encourages us to smile and sigh through what delights us, cutting through to clarity. He invites us to gather earth, heaven and sky in a magnetic field of elixir. By observing, breathing and embracing the tai chi and qigong movements, we find the primordial state: the foundation of all.
“Uber special,” he calls it. “This is where we are; we are the small universe, all exists in us, life between earth and the heavens”.
Pague encourages us to be loving and kind, taking good care of ourselves and nourishing life.
