Taiji (or Tai Chi) is an ancient Chinese form
of exercise. Originally practiced as a martial art, taiji was recognised to be very strengthening for the body, mind and spirit.
In the west it is often practiced for it’s health giving properties. The movements are soft and gentle.
What is Chigung?
Chigung
exercises are movements which promote the flow of the body’s natural energy and stimulate blood circulation. They have
been used in China for hundreds of years to promote good health.
What is a taiji form?
Traditionally
the taiji families in China each invented their own series of taiji movements in excercises known as taiji sets or forms.
There are many different family styles – the main ones being Chen, Yang, Wu and Sun. Each of these may be sub-divided
so there can be many different styles of taji and some of them have been simplified so that they are more easily learned by
beginners.
What do I need to wear?
Please
wear something loose and comfortable. It helps if you wear layers so that you can remove a layer if you get too warm. Shoes
with a thin flexible sole are best but you may wish to work in bare feet.
Is it good for me?
Many
doctors and health practitioners in the west now recognise the benefits of the regular practice of taiji. It can help to strengthen
muscles, joints and tendons while, at the same time having a relaxing and calming influence on body and mind. It is often
called “moving meditation”. Practising taiji will also help to improve your balance and posture.
Is it easy to learn?
The
secret of learning taiji is to practice as often as you can but do not be in a hurry to learn everything at once – take
it slowly and gently.
What about the martial aspects?
It
is not necessary to practice martial techniques but each movement is easier to understand when you know it’s original
purpose. These movements can be used for self-defence.
Can anybody learn it?
Taiji
is suitable for people of all ages. It is also possible to do the exercises sitting down if you have health problems.
Can beginners come to workshops?
Yes,
taiji workshops focus on one particular aspect of exercise that we do in the class and usually suit all levels.
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| 'Sparrows' Chinese Brush Painting by Linda Griffiths |
THE TALE OF THE
CRACKED POT
The water bearer
had two large pots, each hung on the ends of a pole which he carried across his neck. One of the pots had a crack on it, while
the other pot was perfect and always delivered a full portion of water.
At the end of
the long walk from the stream to the house, the cracked pot arrived only half full. For a full two years this went on daily
with the bearer delivering only one and a half pots full of water to his house.
Of course the
perfect pot was proud of it's accomplishments, perfect for which it was made but the poor cracked pot was ashamed of it's
own imperfection and miserable that it was able to accomplish only half of what it had been made to do. After two years of
what it perceived to be a bitter failure, it spoke to the water bearer one day by the stream.
“I am ashamed
of myself, and I want to apologize to you. I have only been able to deliver half my load because this crack in my side causes
water to leak out all the way back to your house. Because of my flaws, you have to do all this work and you don't get full
value from your efforts” the pot said.
The bearer said
to the pot “Did you notice that there were flowers only on your side of the path but not on the other pot's side? That's
because I have always known about your flaw and I planted flower seeds on your side of the path and every day while we walked
back you have watered them. For two years I have been able to pick these beautiful flowers to decorate the table. Without
you being just the way you are, there would not be this beauty to decorate the house.”
Moral. Each of
us has our own unique flaws, we are all cracked pots but it is the cracks and flaws we each have that makes our lives together
so interesting and rewarding. Just take each person for what they are and look for the good in them.
Blessed are the
flexible for they shall not be bent out of shape. Remember to appreciate all the different people in your life!
