I've added several images to the original eye-catching image from the artist Geralt from Pixabay. Thanks again.
Sometimes we can't help but be overwhelmed with the demands in our life, they seem to come from all directions and appear urgent. Work, family, social, technological, financial, health demands, worries about the future, maintenance issues, dealing with organizations, disagreements, etc. Prolonged stress is dreadful for our state of being and also spills over in how we deal with those around us when we act irrationally. Stress is an event that occurs in our minds so no matter where we are, it's almost impossible to escape it. Simple Tai Chi exercises can help you calm down and get some deep relaxation in the area where you have control over – in your mind and body. And, I might add naturally, without any negative side effects, without the use of any equipment, drugs, food or expensive escapist activities. Here is a simple exercise that you can try & practice when you're stressed, or even better - everyday -as persistence in practice amplifies and hastens the calming effects.
1/ Stand with feet shoulder width & toes facing the front.
2/ Feel both soles of your feet evenly grounded.
3/ Imagine the crown of your head being gently suspended from above.
4/ Bend your knees slightly & relax your hips.
5/ Align your upper body so that you from the crown of your head to the base of your feet is vertically aligned.
6/ Relax your shoulders, arms & hang them loosely by your sides.
7/ Place your tongue lightly on your upper palate and breathe naturally through your nose.
8/ Imagine roots from the soles of feet growing downward vertically deeper and deeper into the ground – at the same time keep conscious of the crown of your head suspended from above.
9/ When your mind drifts away, gently repeat the process for couple of minutes and see how deeply you can grow the roots under your feet.
10/ Close your eyes if it helps your visualization, listen to your body & you'll feel the tension and stress melt away into the ground, returning you to your normal calm and rational self.
With some practice it becomes very enjoyable. Let me know of your experience with this exercise.
Lee Chang Tye
Principal Instructor - “Relaxed Mind Tai Chi”
1/ Stand with feet shoulder width & toes facing the front.
2/ Feel both soles of your feet evenly grounded.
3/ Imagine the crown of your head being gently suspended from above.
4/ Bend your knees slightly & relax your hips.
5/ Align your upper body so that you from the crown of your head to the base of your feet is vertically aligned.
6/ Relax your shoulders, arms & hang them loosely by your sides.
7/ Place your tongue lightly on your upper palate and breathe naturally through your nose.
8/ Imagine roots from the soles of feet growing downward vertically deeper and deeper into the ground – at the same time keep conscious of the crown of your head suspended from above.
9/ When your mind drifts away, gently repeat the process for couple of minutes and see how deeply you can grow the roots under your feet.
10/ Close your eyes if it helps your visualization, listen to your body & you'll feel the tension and stress melt away into the ground, returning you to your normal calm and rational self.
With some practice it becomes very enjoyable. Let me know of your experience with this exercise.
Lee Chang Tye
Principal Instructor - “Relaxed Mind Tai Chi”
| | For a more detailed look at an introduction to this standing exercise (focusing on the structural aspects), click onto my youtube video. Enjoy. |
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