This is an important time to be AWARE that Tai Chi’s purpose is to move invigorating and healing energy (qi) in and around our bodies. We can use our INTENTION to direct this qi where we desire. Here are some thoughts for giving yourself a “Tai Chi Flu Shot!”
Lately I’ve been paying careful attention to how I set my intent for practicing form. Early on when I began to learn about energy psychology and energy healing, I was taught the importance of setting an intent for any given energy undertaking. By being clear about intent, both tone and focus are immediately set in motion. There may be various ways to define intent but I think of it as an alignment of mind, body... View Article
It’s a great time to become a warrior woman or man. In Tai Chi, the warrior journey starts with the Wu Chi stance, where you relax into “nothingness” (not into “nothing” … a big difference). It is when you relax your body and mind so you can “hear”, “feel” and “experience” your inner spirit. It’s how you prepare your being for the “moving meditation” of tai chi. Historically, tai chi was practiced in secret, within families (thus Yang... View Article
Coming from a place of . . . to standing my ground.At what point between where I came fromto who I am, right now, do I decide?And when “right now” leaves – will my decisions follow?And what is “right” now? For how long? And why? I’m sure, when new blossoms and ideasgrab my attention; and hold me in their beautyin their own good time; and while they last.When catching sight of wild life; and in... View Article
A number of studies indicate that seniors and those with other health challenges, including Parkinson’s Disease, fall less frequently if they learn tai chi. So, what is it about tai chi that helps prevent falls? It’s definitely more than just improved balance. Greater Leg Strength. Practicing tai chi helps develop greater muscle strength, which helps substantially in avoiding falls. Many people spend a lot of time sitting these days, which causes leg muscles to atrophy.... View Article
June 29, 2020 During a Tai Chi class it began to sprinkle outside. As I watched through the window, the drops collected and formed a trickle down the patio to the curb. I invited the class to join me on the patio to see how following nature can be a lesson in Tai Chi. We discussed how a collection of rain drops are like components of a posture. When enough postures are achieved, they make... View Article
Spirals are circles that move energy (qi) for gathering and releasing. Spiraling connects yin and yang. Spirals connect to dan tians.Spirals are energy driven rather than muscle driven.Spiraling is a joining of heaven qi and earth qi.Spirals require relaxation of the body and mind so they can connect. Spirals coil and twist the energy externally and internally. Spirals are shown in the legs, as in: something goes up, something comes down. Spirals are shown in... View Article
“It should be understood that Tai Chi is a highly individual art and no two masters, even at the same school, will perform it in exactly the same way.” Lu Hui Ching The following protocols are intended to clarify the attitudes behaviors and performance standards that define the culture of our Tai Chi community: Model the code of honor are respect for self and for others in class and beyond. Do not interrupt during lessons.... View Article
In Chen style Tai Chi form there are ten moral codes to guide students. Since the Yang family form developed from the Chen form, these moral codes are relevant to the Yang practitioner and other forms practiced as well. They are timeless and unlimited in their application. 1. Choose a TeacherTo choose a teacher requires patience, discernment, commitment, dedication and perseverance from a student. The skills required to find the right teacher are the same... View Article
Pao Peter Lee was born in Beijing on December 12, 1917 and was raised in the province of Wuhan. His grandfather, Wan Tsou, was an author, scholar and dean at Hupei Teachers College. He was a great influence on Pao Peter Lee. He taught him Tai Chi and gave him his name which means “give help to people without expectation of return as a spiritual form of pursuing happiness.” Master Lee graduated with honors from... View Article
“Everyone is a student and everyone is a teacher.” This is a fundamental philosophy of Tai Chi. Students teach me every time I am with them. I have learned that most people learn with greater ease in a relaxed environ, with levity and joy as the predominate energy. I have learned that repetition is at the core of learning Tai Chi, and patience in teaching helps to model the patience needed in learning.I have learned... View Article
Students in Tai Chi With Lu classes recently completed a survey to share their thoughts on learning Tai Chi and the benefits it brings. Those responding were a representative sample of beginner, intermediate, advanced and charter students. Over half of the respondents had participated in outside activities such as public Tai Chi demonstrations and workshops in addition to attending regular weekly classes. The top five reasons for choosing Tai Chi, in order of importance, are: ... View Article
Master Yu Cheng Hsiang recently passed on in New York. His students, in a recent issue of Tai Chi magazine recalled some of the wisdom he shared. It is well worth reflection. Show up no matter what. Don’t be a Monchacha. Don’t be a movie star. Don’t be L-A-Z-Y. Don’t say you’re tired. Don’t think too much. Don’t talk too much. Don’t say “I know.” Just do. D-O. (And when you do) toil, ask, research.... View Article
Tai Chi is based on the ancient warrior code of honor and respect, as are all martial arts. In fact, this code was the code of all ancient warriors before highly technical warfare upset the balanced perspective. Warriors Code Love: The warrior develops a skilled body with a kind heart. Respect: The warrior respects self and all living things. Care: The warrior cares for self and for the world. Responsibility: The warrior takes responsibility... View Article
The correct practice of Tai Chi enriches the circulation of chi through out the body. Anything that interferes with chi flow will reduce the effectiveness of practice. These problems are some of the most common faced by the Tai Chi practitioner. Each will greatly affect the flow of chi, and reduce or block the positive effects of practice. All of these challenges are inherent in the practice of form, and will be met by every... View Article
Recently, we were invited to bring a Tai Chi experience to the youth classes in our Spiritual Center. We agreed, and made a plan for an approach that would be appealing and meaningful to youth who would be experiencing this energy practice for the first time. The youth instructors decided to mix the younger kids and and teens together, which proved to be a more complex challenge for us. However, the experience was enjoyable and... View Article
Tony and Lu attended a five day conference with 400 others in Albuquerque, New Mexico in late September to dialogue with indigenous leaders from numerous cultures on the ancient teachings related to the future of humanity on planet earth. The goal of the conference was to rebirth a wisdom consciousness based on the natural rhythms of the earth at this co-creative moment in time to return the world to a natural order of peace and... View Article
The Ten Principles of Yang Chen Fu are will known throughout the world of Tai Chi and are considered foundational to the practice of Tai Chi. Suspend head from above. Sink chest to raise back. Relax waist. Differentiate substantial from insubstantial. Sink shoulders and point elbows down. Use mind intention, not force. Upper and lower together. Inner and outer in harmony. No interruption in movement. Feel stillness in action. These principles address the two essential... View Article
The Tai Chi community is developing a clearer understanding of the difference between internal and external Tai Chi practice. External practice Importance of physical movementDevelops sinews, bones and skinEmphasizes and values techniqueUses physical power to manage body movementMore Yang focused on what you can seeDischarge of power is localized and visiblePower is channeled upward toward the handsUses dynamic movement to controlEnd goal is the control of others Internal Practice Develops ChiEmphasizes and values the movement... View Article