In this Issue

- Walking 101
- Life Quote - Rut and Grave
- Comments - Fantastic!
- Food Fact - Lycopene
- Question Period - East vs. West
- Teacher Certification

Walking 101

Last time, I talked about finding balance, staying upright and not falling over. What about walking?

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!

www.easytaichi.com/video.htm

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.

www.easytaichi.com
www.4minutefitness.com

Life Quote

The only difference between a rut and a grave is the depth.

And from Will Rogers - If you find yourself in a hole, the first thing to do is stop digging.

Comments

"Wow. Your video is fantastic!"
    B. Chiu, BC

"I ordered your tape a year ago and I absolutely love it."
    J.W., GA

Food Fact

Lycopene may help reduce certain types of cancer. Wow, but what's lycopene?

It is that gorgeous red color in tomatoes, grapefruit and watermelon.

The best source is processed tomato products like catsup, tomato juice, soup and paste.

Great food is great medicine. Enjoy your tomatoes.

www.best-weight.com

Question Period

Q. I notice that you are a veterinarian. I am an equine enthusiast and owner with an interest in alternative medicines. What are your views on Alternatives vs. Conventional medicines in equine practices? And would stress reduction therapy also benefit the equine world? Thank you ever so much (in advance), Kandi

A. Hi Kandi,

I believe that we should take the best of all worlds. Both traditional and alternative medicine offer wonderful therapies, but neither system is perfect. People need to be as knowledgeable as possible to be able to make the best choices out of the many offered.

And yes - stress reduction is important for horses and their owners. All animals have the ability to feel stress, and we should take measures to offer them peace and quiet in this busy world.

And to reduce physical stresses, animals need high quality food and water, comfortable and safe shelter, exercise and lots of love. Just like us. As well, all animals can pick up and reflect stress in their owners, so we need to be as calm as possible.

Our families also recognize and react to stress in their loved ones. I believe all levels of communication are enhanced when they are offered in a grounded, loving and focused manner, whether the communications are with animals or people.

One evening, I was practicing my tai chi in the sunset on a beautiful island. The light was fading, and the sunset glorious. I was experiencing a deep sense of peace.

After a few minutes, I noticed that 5-6 deer were grazing closer and closer to me, as if I didn't exist. Within minutes, they were within touching distance.

As I flowed through my movements, they moved around me. I believe that they could sense my peace, and my gentle intentions.

Add peace, relaxation and presence to your life, and people and animals will reflect it back to you. Tai Chi for Busy People and 4 Minute Fitness offer a vital first step toward a deeper peace. For more information,

www.easytaichi.com
www.4minutefitness.com

Teach Easy Tai Chi and 4 Minute Fitness

If you would like to join our growing team of teachers, click here: Teachers

PLEASE SUBSCRIBE

Did you like this newsletter?
Would this type of information improve the quality of your life?

If so, please send an email to:



with "Subscribe" in the subject line.
You will receive it about 8 times a year.

Please feel free to forward
this information
to family and friends.

Home   |  Tai Chi Videos and DVD's
Teacher Certification  |  Certification FAQ
Local Class Schedule
Seminars  |  Benefits | FAQ
Better Tai Chi - hints  |  Testimonials
Four Minute Fitness video
Weight Loss CD

Go back to:

- Video or DVD Packages

- Seminars
- FAQ about tai chi
- Tai Chi - Hints
- Tai Chi Benefits
- Testimonials
- 4 Minute Fitness video
- Tai Chi Vacations
- Weight loss CD
- Local Class Schedule

- NEW! Teach Easy Tai Chi and earn a part time income. It's easy!
  - Teacher Certification FAQ
  
- Own a martial arts school? Click here

 

PLEASE SUBSCRIBE

Did you like this newsletter?

Would this type of information improve the quality of your life?

If so, please send an email to:



with "Subscribe" in the subject line. You will receive it about 8 times a year.

Please feel free to forward
this information
to family and friends.