Jade Dragon Tai Chi Topics

After you feel sufficiently relaxed in preparation, you may begin to move through the sequence and develop “the form”. The form is an organized structure of movements simulating self-defense applications. Depending on the style practiced determines the number of postures, the way the postures are expressed and their arrangement. For each individual the form becomes an outer expression of their internal state of being. Generally, the form is practiced slowly. The transitions between each posture are smooth and fluid. One concentrates on the present moment, avoiding excess of any kind; not too high, not too low; not too deep or too shallow. Movement and breath are coordinated and muscles are used to a minimum. The mind is tranquil yet focused on the relaxed movement and breath. This creates a feeling of slow motion waves flowing through the body. Energy pathways are open and Chi surges smoothly and strong. This is the gong. This is the internal power.

There seem to be as many benefits to practicing tai chi as there are people that practice it. Although many of the benefits are universal such as relaxation, balance of mind and body, better concentration, and a greater awareness of one’s surroundings; each person will have his or her own unique connection to the art. The practice becomes very individual, very personal. And this is why even though the outer structure of the form is the same for all who practice it; each person will demonstrate his or her own unique expression. Those that feel a deeper connection to their practice know that the benefits of Tai Chi extend far beyond mental and physical accomplishments. One experiences ongoing life transformations that give a clear sense of direction and activate one’s warrior spirit to carry out purpose toward the fulfillment of one’s higher aspirations. These benefits are mostly unknown to the person of occasional practice.

Tai Chi has been called many things; a moving meditation, a flowing dance; a system of self-defense and self-healing to name just a few. But however it is perceived, to practice this ancient Chinese art form regularly brings many benefits to our physical, mental, emotional and spiritual life. Tai Chi is an unfolding process of change. It’s a specific structure of individual movements designed to open the practitioner to heightened levels of life energy. This life energy is called Qi (pronounced chi). Qi makes up our entire universe; everything in existence is Qi. Qi is the energy that makes up all form. In our physical bodies we have human Qi. Human Qi has been equated with the bio-electric energy that flows through every cell that makes up all the tissue of every organ. Essentially, our physical bodies are a network of vibrational frequencies that when in balance, resonate harmoniously to create vital health and well-being. If these frequencies are out of resonance, the vital balance is lost, and our health and well-being diminishes. Tai Chi practice involves Qi gong (pronounced chi gong), which is the mental participation in the process of energy balancing. In other words, we consciously participate in our own internal process. If we look at the static postures of Tai Chi we see the structure. If we look at the movement of the postures we see the function of Qi. The structure of the postures largely determine the function of the energy or Qi flow. This is why it is important that we posture correctly, because if the posture is out of alignment, the Qi flow could be impeded and energy balance could be lost. The Qi gong of Tai Chi promotes internal balance and allows for individual expression. This can be seen by watching a group of people perform. Even though many people are practicing the same form; no two people will express it in the same way. Our Qi flow effects our life expression in a very unique way.