Finding various ways to relax has become one of the most
sought after activities of the century.
There are healthy ways to relax and unhealthy ways. We’ve all witness the unhealthy ways and
maybe even experienced them first-hand, such as excessive use of alcohol or
drugs, idleness on the computer with video games and surfing the net, or
excessive spending.
Healthy ways of relaxation require a little more patience, but bring with them the long term reward of reduced stress.
That’s why learning an art such as Tai Chi is well worth one's time and effort. It takes diligence, but like any good skill, it’s best to keep in mind that the art of Tai Chi is never really complete. Instead, it's a life-time of refinement and a reflection of one's impermanence and intimate connection to the universe itself.
Tai Chi has been called a moving meditation. It's slow and mesmerizing movement comes from the present-moment practice of mindfulness. It has its roots
deeply planted in Taoism--roughly, a spiritual and philosophical belief in one's connection to
all things--especially to nature.
There are classes offered at many local recreation centers, including the North Jeffco Community Rec Center in Arvada Colorado. You can find info about current classes at my website at www.qigongstudioofcolorado.com. Be prepared to arrive with a Beginner's Mind, which simply means you begin with no expectations about what Tai Chi should be. Emptying your mind of all concepts allows for new learning. If your mind is too full and overflowing with ideas, there's simply no room for new lessons.
Until then, here are two of my favorite online videos of Tai Chi at it's best, and I think you will find them overall breath-takingly beautiful and relaxing to watch:
Thanks to Tetsushi Klmura for the great photo -- Tai Chi Chuan
