Taiji (Tai Chi)
 

Greetings..

I am asked sometimes, "what is Taiji"?.. i understand it as a 'process', a process of learning to live in harmony with 'Life'.. It was originally a martial art, from which other wisdoms naturally flowed: meditation, QiGong, philosoply, healing, and self-realization.. Taiji is generally considered by its different styles to be an 'Internal Martial Art', meaning its effective components are based on the 'Internal' structure and energies of the practitioner.. i am past 20 years on this 'path', and it gets better every day..

Be well..

Hi Tzu
I was checking out your Tai Chi excercise videos (which are excellent by the way :smile: )The one in which you use a ball ... is that a regular medicine ball? I did some research on the net and there are a few different leads. I am having spinal surgery in November and I want to get into some gentle excercise which will strengthen my spine afterwards. I will still do the physio however I want to incorporate some Tai Chi at home and the ball (and plate) excercises look suitable and gentle enough. I attended a few classes a few years ago in the UK but apart from that I am new to it ... I am determined to heal completely and regain full mobility ... I will be doing backflips down the corridor in 8 weeks :D :hug3:

I am lucky to have a tai chi class quite close to where I live and can go every Friday morning. the teacher says we should do it daily to get benefit from it. I must confess I do not, but hope that once a week is better than no times a week!

Tai chi is the ultimate "force" that governs the way things are. From emptiness comes the great cycle of duality, and the potential difference of the great duality is tai chi AKA the Grand, Ultimate, Supreme, etc. Force.

stand still be fit
 

here is a link to interesting exercises which were on tv here


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y07FauHYlmg


:smile:

Well I have purchased myself a 1kg medicine ball and look forward to its arrival lol
I watched a little of the video on the link you provided starfish ty ... there is a wealth of info out there to go ahead with :)

Greetings..

Hi Sound: The ball used in the video is a 5.2 pound solid wooden ball.. i recommend beginning with a soccer ball if there are any health issues that concern you. I also recommend finding a reputable teacher to help, unfortunately 'reputable' teachers are not plentiful.. I had C5-6 and C6-7 fused this past April and am better than before the surgery.. now, i am teaching full-on Taiji classes including Tui Shou, Shui Jiao, Qin Na, and judging and refereeing at tournaments.. full recovery is very possible, the ball exercises (adjusting weight as needed) are excellent, as are the plate exercises.. i wish you well in your surgery and recovery, your beautiful spirit and delightful personality (as your posts reveal) should benefit you greatly..

Be well..

Greetings..

Hi taoistscholar: Thanks for sharing your understandings of Tai Chi, they are consistent with many of the popular interpretations.. i understand the 'force' to be 'Qi' (Chi), and Taiji (Tai Chi) to be a system of discipline, philosophy, training, forms, and study that reveals the 'principles' that govern the appropriate application of the 'force' in a healthy and peaceful Life..

Be well..

Greetings..

Hi Starfish: Zhan Zhuang is one of the forms/training i mentioned to taoistscholar.. i practice 20-40 minutes twice a day.. well, at least once a day, twice maybe 50% of the time.. brilliant in its simplicity..

Be well..

Ahhh so it is a wooden ball you are using Tzu ... it looks wooden and I couldnt see any stitiching but I thought 'no way' lol oh well 1kg is probably enough for me to start with and if I drop it on my foot the cursing (and the bruising) wont be quite as heavy as a 5 LBer :D

I looked into the Tai Chi institute in the city where I live however the classes clash with my work roster ... I do understand the importance of sound instruction though and eventually I may be blessed with the opportunity to attend.
I am so inspired knowing you have had a similiar surgery and have healed so well ... that is my intention too .. thank you for your kind words and encouragment

Much gratitude x