Your Passion
Perhaps one of the most important things in life is to be passionate about something, as it brings meaning to our lives. And you may have already guessed that one of my passions in life is 'Tai Chi' (or rather: Taiji 37, Taijiwuxigong, Wuxi Meditation, and Buqi).
But for many diligent Tai Chi practitioners this isn't the case. They practice the art, not just through the sheer joy of it, but because it supports them in the pursuit of their passions in life.
In my own experience, these passions range from singing, playing musical instruments, and public speaking, through to sporting activities such as Golf, Surfing, Rugby, and even other martial arts like Karate.
How?
To understand how Tai Chi can support these wide ranging pursuits, we need to consider the benefits that these systems provide - see last week's blog post).
For sports activities like Golf, for example, the precise control and engagement of the core, orchestrated with the upper and lower limbs that is achieved through practicing Tai Chi, can bring a whole new dimension to your game.
On the other hand, for musical instruments, the depth of rapport between mind and body, and self-awareness, developed through Tai Chi, can facilitate and enhance a feeling of 'oneness', a deep connection between self and instrument.
I wonder how Tai Chi could take your pursuit of your passions to the next level?
Why would you want to study and practice Taijiwuxigong, Taiji37, and Wuxi Meditation?
People study and practice these systems for a variety of reasons. Typically, these reasons include improving physical, emotional, and/or mental fitness and wellbeing.
This is a very broad and sweeping statement, so here are some examples of specific benefits...
Sport & Physical Activity
The more active elements of these systems facilitate improved:
- Posture
- Grounding, resulting in a centred and stable stance
- Core Strength and Flexibility, resulting in more balanced and deliberate movements
- Yielding, resulting in greater resilience against tackles and attacks
- Proprioception, allowing you to move your body with more timeliness and precision
- Orchestration of the whole body in any movements made
- ...
Artistic Expression
All aspects of the systems promote:
- Deepened self-awareness, hence better self-expression
- Improved breath and voice control, hence stronger, more precise singing voice
- Better physical expression, through the deepened rapport with self,
and all points for 'Sport' above.
Health
All aspects of these systems promote:
- Wellbeing: developing and maintaining personal strength in mind and physical body,
helping you to cope better with causes of anxiety and stress.
- Recovery: from disease, medical treatment, and loss.
- Self-defense: protection from attack by other humans, animals, and other elements of the environment.
Maybe I'll explore some of these points in more detail in later posts...
