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Better
Tai Chi - Free Lessons - Page 2 (Page
1)
 Continuous flow
Music and tai chi
Grace
Better balance
Walking 101
8.
Flow and continuous movement
How many moves are in the form? This is a common
question, and refers to the number of named moves found in the series (24, 36, 108 etc.),
and it gives an idea of how long the form will take to learn and to practice. The Infinite
Nine™ form that I teach in Tai Chi for Busy People™ is nine relatively easy moves that can be repeated forever
- filling whatever time you have available.
But - how many moves are really in any tai chi
form? Not 9, or 24 or 36.
Looking from the concept of flow - there is only one
move from beginning to end. One long, graceful movement that epitomizes the flow in
tai chi, and the flow in life.
However - looking from the concept of the
experiences and interactions of the movements - the series can be broken down into millions
of fascinating segments. Every little movement of a hand, and its relationship to the
rest of the body. And its relationship to your breathing. The relationship of movement and
breathing to balance and gravity.
Key: always insure that you
complete each move before moving to the next move. Students often try to achieve the
continuous sense of flow by blending one movement into the next, completing neither move.
Sink into your posture, feeling the sense of
completion, and at that very moment - a half second before the end of the move - begin
flowing into the next posture as you complete the last one. Now your moves are
connected. Now you exude gracefulness.
Key: enjoy the oneness of the
entire series of movements, and the fascination of the wonderful interactions of the
tiniest of moves. Both methods will enhance the wisdom of knowing yourself.
9.
Music and tai chi
In the
Tai Chi for
Busy People™ video, I demonstrated
the fact that our bodies are mostly space and that the illusion of solidity results from
our particles spinning and vibrating at unimaginable speeds.
Music is also vibration, and has the ability to affect us at many
levels. At a molecular level, musical sound vibration can interact with our own vibrations
in ways we may never understand. Music can be healing.
Music can affect our moods and can stimulate or soothe us. In some
cultures, music with over 180 beats per minute can create a frenzy of activity (trance
dancing has been practiced by over half of all indigenous people for eons).
Often native aboriginal music vibrates to the core of our being. I have
played the Australian didgeridoo for a couple of years, and have used the unbelievable
vibrations created by this ancient, simple instrument to tap into my own energy in new and
exciting ways.
More modern music works as well - a well played violin can bring people
to tears in seconds. Mozart brings an audience to life - creating exhilaration out of
nothing.
Play with music while you are practicing your tai chi. Find sounds that
create moods that work for you, and use them accordingly. Notice the dichotomy created
using strong, powerful fast tempo music as you are flowing in your tai chi. Then try slow
soothing music. The results will be dramatically different.
Then be totally quiet, no sounds - and be aware of the rhythm and
sounds of your own bodies. Notice the movement and vitality within your stillness.
The
Tai Chi for Busy
People™ step by step
video features the relaxing music of Dean Evenson and the flowing
piano creations of Bill Konsorado. This music is also included in your 'follow along'
audio tape, included in the package.
Remember - music can make your five minutes of
Tai Chi for Busy People™ even more effective.
10. Grace
Beginners practicing tai chi usually have most of their body parts moving at
different speeds. The arms are usually graceful and controlled, but the torso is lifeless,
and the legs move too quickly. The goal is to keep the speed of all movements consistent.
In the video, I demonstrated the waist movement, so lets look at the legs, for
now. Why do the legs move too quickly? Two basic reasons. First - they are out of sight,
and therefore move unconsciously. Second - they 'step in" to compensate for poor
balance.
Key: As you move into a posture, sink onto the supporting (substantial) leg and
take a deep breath to improve balance. Then slowly move the insubstantial leg into
position, and establish your solid base BEFORE moving into the posture (so you don't
fall into the posture).
The result is increased leg strength, improved balance, and a dramatically
increased sense of grace and flow, especially when combined with Hint #8 -
Flow and Continuous Movement.
11. Better balance
I recently received a question about ways to improve balance while
standing on one leg (as in the tai chi move "Golden Cock Stands on One Leg").
It seems that most people have poor balance. In fact, we are a nation of falling
people. Sadly, falling related injuries take a huge personal and financial toll.
Beginners in my tai chi classes who stand on one leg look like a forest of trees in
a strong wind, initially swaying all over the place. Yet, with practice and technique,
in a matter of weeks balance improves. The key? Learn how to improve balance,
then practice.
Anytime you need to stand on one leg, or need to have better balance when standing on
both legs, here's what to do. Relax onto the supporting leg(s).
Bend your supporting knee(s) a little more, then feel all the weight sink
onto the foot, drop the shoulders and relax
the abdomen (thereby lowering your center of gravity). Then take a
breath as deep as it will go into your lungs, so it actually feels like you
are breathing into your abdomen. And keep breathing this way. Soon you feel rooted, solid
and connected with the ground
12. Walking 101
Most people walk without thought. If you watch carefully, you will
notice that most of us walk using the "Controlled Fall" method. We lead
with our upper bodies, which is in reality the beginning of a fall. This method uses the
leaning upper body to create momentum, and we simply hope our legs will keep up. Works
almost all the time, BUT if anything hinders or slows the legs - a fall ensues.
The faster we want to go, the farther forward we need to lean, creating a situation
where the legs MUST keep up.
Is there a safer, more effective way to walk? Absolutely. I demonstrate a more
upright style of tai chi walking on the Tai Chi for Busy People video. Once you give it a
try, you will never walk the same way again! Check out the
video page.
Here is an overview. The key is to remain more upright, to let your feet move
forward first and find secure footing. Try this right now. Imagine crossing a
river, stepping from stone to stone. Slowly, step by step. Let your foot go first, to test
the stability of the stone, and then transfer your weight. Move gracefully from stone to
stone, feet moving first.
While this style of walking may seem a bit odd, and not appropriate for walking in the
mall, you can speed it up and nobody will notice anything more than your grace and
balance. Use the same method when walking on a slippery surface.
Key: Remain upright and let your feet move first, pulling you along.
Breath deeply and relax, particularly your upper body. Within minutes, you are more
stable.
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