Tai chi movements and principles for personal change
Be mindful of change
Tai Chi, first mentioned in ancient Chinese documents, thousands of years ago, is translated as "supreme ultimate" or "great ultimate". This translation does not explain what the words mean but is a reference to the yin/yang process. It is the beginning and continuation of changes that produce the natural balance and flow of energy that exists in all things. Tai Chi is movement and change, the nature of everything.
Mindfulness of the changes that take place all around you, and within you, is a skill that can be developed, deepened, and strengthened over time, greatly improving your ability to respond appropriately to the changes that occur in your life.
Mindfulness of change involves filling your mind with the changes occuring right now. Activities that can prevent this awareness include keeping your mind on past events or worrying about the future. Also, be aware that allowing yourself to be distracted by unimportant things in the present can also take your focus away.
Be mindful and change
The term tai chi is often used as shorthand for Tai Chi Chuan (a fighting art) and Tai Chi for Health (the movements of Tai Chi Chuan practiced for health purposes only). Both these activities involve beneficial, life-changing movements that apply the principles of tai chi to the human mind and body. Nothing is wrong with using shorthand as long as everyone understands what is being said. Even though tai chi, Tai Chi Chuan, and Tai Chi for Health can be defined differently, all students and teachers are students and practitioners of mindful change.
With regular exploration and practice of the natural movements and principles of tai chi, you can
- learn to gather, store and use your personal energy effectively (activity management),
- improve awareness, focus, multitasking, memory and listening skills,
- reduce tension and relieve symptoms of distress, and
- increase health, safety, and well-being (better muscle tone, flexibility, balance and breathing).
Since much can be accomplished in groups that have something in common, focused programs are developed to benefit and address the needs of
- older adults,
- family and professional caregivers,
- veterans and veteran families
- desk dwellers, and
- those suffering from specific health problems.