Image from Artist Raphael Gessler "Vincent & OSI Reference Model"
Developing commitment to regular Taiji practice is a common problem, not only in beginners who are in it for gentle exercise but also for more advanced students. We go through phases and our commitment to daily practice ebbs and flows with the state of our fickle and unreliable mind. Often we have a vague notion that we should do some practice “cause it’s good for us” or for whatever reason but there’s always tomorrow or I’m too busy, tired, distracted, or plain just don’t feel like practicing today? The result is that miss out on our opportunity to be better and feel good about ourselves.
I see my regular daily Taiji practice on multiple levels (to improve/preserve health, to feel great, to sleep better, to improve my martial skills, to work on the art, because my teacher said so, because it’s fun, etc etc..) but there is a bigger perspective on why commitment to practice is so important. I haven’t always thought this way but as I mature in my experience with Taiji training and learning, I see daily Taiji practice as a very tangible commitment to my self-improvement.
Why is self-improvement worthy of our energy? Isn’t cruising along or staying in our comfort zones more reassuring? Not if we really want to wake up and transcend our own mediocrity. Self improvement is a fundamental mindset that we need if we are committed to being successful in whatever we choose in life. Self-improvement requires change in yourself and that means we aren’t content to stay where we are. That might be emotionally, physically, knowledge-wise, spiritually, financially, socially, health-wise etc. We may want (or need) a better education, achieve more financial independence, be a better person, handle the growing stresses of living & work, master that instrument, become a better cook or person, change careers, reach your ideal weight… whatever. And to change requires regular concentration, focus, energy expenditure, reflection, moving towards sound goals…it is difficult, but not impossible. In daily Taiji practice, the exercise of will power, the attention to the mind - body, the efforts in concentration and cultivation of relaxation, coordination & synchronization, energy and many other subtle events reflects this commitment to self-improvement.
Why not practice self-improvement in other aspects of your life? Why not commit to doing 30 minutes a day of mind-expanding reading? Absolutely, it’s a good idea to be concurrently disciplined in improving other areas of your life but you’re reading this because you’re already interested in Taiji but probably haven’t been diligent in practicing regularly or your motivation has waned, or are not really sure where to start or why you should be investing such effort in this weird exercise. Well not only is it a great grounding, physical, measurable tool to personify your commitment to self-improvement, it is also an enjoyable one that by default gives you many meditation, mindful, health and wellness benefits. In short, it’s a win-win all round, I can’t think think of a down side to regular Taiji practice, neither can I imagine a more encompassing package.
Making a commitment to practice daily
So lets set ourselves (or you choose for yourself) an achievable, measurable goal of doing these (or of your choice) Taiji exercises everyday for the next 2 weeks or month.
For beginners who have never attended my classes or unfamiliar with Taiji try this basic Qigong stationary exercise. Commit to doing it for 10 minutes a day, more if you can handle it and observe your mind, body and changes that occur as you progress through the weeks. Increase the time if you feel up to it.
For a FREE exercise click HERE!
Password is “Relax”.
OR click (or copy and paste)
https://www.relaxedmindtaichi.com/free-taiji-exercises.html
The Amazing Opening/Closing Yang Style Exercises
To practice the powerful and amazing basic Huang Sheng Shyan Style “Open/up & close/down” exercise & base work for loosening exercise no. 1, I’m practically giving away a month’s access to these lessons for a very modest price of $10. This offer will last till the end of August, so you please join in on this limited special offer. You won’t regret it.
To make your commitment -
Click on or copy & paste this link!
https://www.relaxedmindtaichi.com/store/p105/Practice_is_self-improvement_%28access_to_1_month%27s_practice%29_.html
One of the best results of commitment to Taiji practice or other self-improvement goal is how much better you feel about yourself which then you apply to other areas of your life. Success to all of you.
Author - Lee Chang Tye
Copyright - Relaxed Mind Tai Chi
www.relaxedmindtaichi.com
I see my regular daily Taiji practice on multiple levels (to improve/preserve health, to feel great, to sleep better, to improve my martial skills, to work on the art, because my teacher said so, because it’s fun, etc etc..) but there is a bigger perspective on why commitment to practice is so important. I haven’t always thought this way but as I mature in my experience with Taiji training and learning, I see daily Taiji practice as a very tangible commitment to my self-improvement.
Why is self-improvement worthy of our energy? Isn’t cruising along or staying in our comfort zones more reassuring? Not if we really want to wake up and transcend our own mediocrity. Self improvement is a fundamental mindset that we need if we are committed to being successful in whatever we choose in life. Self-improvement requires change in yourself and that means we aren’t content to stay where we are. That might be emotionally, physically, knowledge-wise, spiritually, financially, socially, health-wise etc. We may want (or need) a better education, achieve more financial independence, be a better person, handle the growing stresses of living & work, master that instrument, become a better cook or person, change careers, reach your ideal weight… whatever. And to change requires regular concentration, focus, energy expenditure, reflection, moving towards sound goals…it is difficult, but not impossible. In daily Taiji practice, the exercise of will power, the attention to the mind - body, the efforts in concentration and cultivation of relaxation, coordination & synchronization, energy and many other subtle events reflects this commitment to self-improvement.
Why not practice self-improvement in other aspects of your life? Why not commit to doing 30 minutes a day of mind-expanding reading? Absolutely, it’s a good idea to be concurrently disciplined in improving other areas of your life but you’re reading this because you’re already interested in Taiji but probably haven’t been diligent in practicing regularly or your motivation has waned, or are not really sure where to start or why you should be investing such effort in this weird exercise. Well not only is it a great grounding, physical, measurable tool to personify your commitment to self-improvement, it is also an enjoyable one that by default gives you many meditation, mindful, health and wellness benefits. In short, it’s a win-win all round, I can’t think think of a down side to regular Taiji practice, neither can I imagine a more encompassing package.
Making a commitment to practice daily
So lets set ourselves (or you choose for yourself) an achievable, measurable goal of doing these (or of your choice) Taiji exercises everyday for the next 2 weeks or month.
For beginners who have never attended my classes or unfamiliar with Taiji try this basic Qigong stationary exercise. Commit to doing it for 10 minutes a day, more if you can handle it and observe your mind, body and changes that occur as you progress through the weeks. Increase the time if you feel up to it.
For a FREE exercise click HERE!
Password is “Relax”.
OR click (or copy and paste)
https://www.relaxedmindtaichi.com/free-taiji-exercises.html
The Amazing Opening/Closing Yang Style Exercises
To practice the powerful and amazing basic Huang Sheng Shyan Style “Open/up & close/down” exercise & base work for loosening exercise no. 1, I’m practically giving away a month’s access to these lessons for a very modest price of $10. This offer will last till the end of August, so you please join in on this limited special offer. You won’t regret it.
To make your commitment -
Click on or copy & paste this link!
https://www.relaxedmindtaichi.com/store/p105/Practice_is_self-improvement_%28access_to_1_month%27s_practice%29_.html
One of the best results of commitment to Taiji practice or other self-improvement goal is how much better you feel about yourself which then you apply to other areas of your life. Success to all of you.
Author - Lee Chang Tye
Copyright - Relaxed Mind Tai Chi
www.relaxedmindtaichi.com
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