The Benefits of Practicing Tai Chi
/
Get your tai chi on in one of these classes
Many years ago, I noticed a particular quality of “calm presence” in my friend David Barton and wondered if this was a result of his longtime Tai Chi practice. Deciding to check it out for myself, I studied a bit of Qigong, a lot of Tai Chi, and began a thirty-year relationship with this ancient Chinese martial art. Over the years, whenever I’ve needed to get grounded and center my awareness, I could count on my Tai Chi set to deliver. Because the sequential movements demand full awareness, Tai Chi is a practice of being here and now– a moving meditation that aligns mind-body-spirit in present time.
Tai Chi was originally a martial art intended to balance feminine and masculine (yin-yang) energies. Today, it has become one of the traditional Chinese wellness practices taught around the world. Chances are, you’ve seen people doing Tai Chi in a park or a movie–moving in unison, slowly and purposefully. Young or old, these people are doing something more than just practicing a form. They’re releasing old habits and availing themselves of the many benefits of this wellness practice. For instance:
Tai Chi moves energy. Arcing and pivoting, tucking and kicking, the whole body is engaged as it shifts graciously from one posture to the next. Places that are stuck begin to move, places that are asleep wake up.
Tai Chi prescribes a specific form and movement sequence that emphasize postural alignment and range of motion. Through practice, this improves balance, coordination, and agility.
Tai Chi’s slow, mindful movements and deep breathing calm the nervous system. Regular practice can lower blood pressure, relieve pain, boost the immunity, improve mood, and quiet the mind–setting you up for restful sleep.
Doing Tai Chi helps you learn to be self-aware instead of self-conscious. This is advantageous for good communication, helping you show up with ease and grace for both business opportunities and personal relationships.
There are many different variations of Tai Chi, from full-on martial art to a more meditative, dance-like form. To learn, you’ll need instruction. From the beginning, it’s all about movement. The opening posture shifting in a particular way to the next posture until you’ve learned the whole sequence. Although classes are taught once a week, practicing every day makes it your own. Setting time aside each day for Tai Chi creates an interlude where you can just be–without the concerns and worries and the driving rhetoric of your busy mind. As your practice deepens, you’ll begin to feel the benefits of taking this time for yourself.
Daily practice as a joyful way to align oneself with nature and one's surroundings.
Tai Chi Master, Chungliang Al Huang
Some people practice Tai Chi in the morning to wake up their body, improve circulation, and cultivate mental clarity for the day ahead. Others practice in the evening to release the concerns of the day and relax. Each day at sunset, you’ll find me on the patio outside, doing my Tai Chi set. Moving consciously through the choreographed postures of "Parting the Wild Horse's Mane", "White Crane Spreads its Wings" and “Repulsing the Monkey”. As a moving meditation, this daily practice leaves me feeling refreshed–clear and content.
To discover Tai Chi for yourself, you can explore online classes. But, even better, learn the sequence in person in a small class with an experienced teacher. Here’s a list of the excellent instructors in our community that teach both beginning and advanced levels:
David Barton “T’ai Chi is a centuries old martial art that relies on the practice of ‘letting go’ of tension and focusing your attention. It can be learned by almost anyone and done anywhere.”
Class on Saturday morning at 10 am in La Mesa Park, across from Lazy Acres. To learn more: www.taichicollege.com
Toni DeMoulin “Through slow, mindful movement and steady breathing, Tai Chi encourages the body to shift out of a chronic “fight or flight” state and into one that is more balanced, regulated, and sustainable.”
Class on stage in Oak Park, Sat am. To sign up, contact Toni at Taichitoni1@hotmail.com .
Jessica Kolbe “The slow rocking tempo of Tai Chi calms our nervous systems which gives us a sense of well-being. Stress and tension melt away. How lovely it is to take time in our busy lives to slow down, breathe deeply and be fully in the moment”.
Qigong and Tai Chi sessions at the Carpinteria Woman's Club
(Tuesdays/Thursdays) and Linden City Beach (Fridays). Jessica@JessicaTaiChi.com
Luis Sanchez “Tai Chi and Chi Gong are an excellent resource for teaching body/mind awareness to older adults. The fluid, harmonious, whole body movements enhance cognition, memory, coordination, balance and well-being.”
Classes offered through SBCC Adult Learning Program at Maravilla (Tues and Thurs, 2 pm) and Wood Glenn Hall (Tues, 10:45 am). If interested call the Shott Center: 805-898-8137 for more information.
Susan Robinson “Designed to be accessible to everyone, regardless of fitness level– my beginner’s class emphasizes improved focus, balance, and mind-body awareness.”
Free classes in Rocky Nook Park, Sat. 9 am. Contact Susan about future offerings. youngrobinson@mac.com
Montecito YMCA “For all ages, this Tai Chi class teaches the fluid movements of Tai Chi designed to improve health relaxation, balance, flexibility, and encourage a sense of inner peace.”
Class taught by Elizabeth on Wednesdays at 11:15 or live-streamed through YMCA360.
Originally published in the Montecito Journal