|
 |
What
is T'ai Chi Chih? |
 It's
a series of movements -- gentle yet profound -- that
activates, balances, and circulates the body's intrinsic
energy, called Chi.
It's a joyous moving meditation of 19
movements and one pose
that's performed slowly and gently.
You can gain benefits by doing just one
movement on a regular basis, but you'll certainly gain
a whole lot more by doing the entire practice, which
takes 40 minutes.
It's quite easy to learn, but as you
might imagine, mastery varies according to the student's
commitment to daily practice. Inner sincerity is also
key. Most classes meet weekly over a two-month period.
If you don't live near an accredited teacher, you can
start with an instructional
DVD or video.
It's completely non-violent and practiced
by people of all (or no) particular faiths. In other
words, it's neither a martial art nor a religion. Luckily
you don't have to be particularly cooordinated or physically
fit either. We hate to repeat ourselves, but we're going
to here: it's very gentle.
In case you're wondering, T'ai Chi Chih
translates from Chinese as "knowledge of the supreme
ultimate."
We know it sounds pretty serious. And
frankly, it is. It's the most serious thing we know.
But it's also the most joyous thing we know. Truly,
madly, deeply joyous. Not laugh-out-loud joyous, or
giddy-happy-joyous. But the kind of joy that comes from
no-thing, that no-one can take from you.
 back
to top
|
What
are the benefits of regular practice? |
Interestingly, specific benefits vary
from person to person since we are all out of balance
in different ways. In addition to bringing "serenity
in the midst of activity," students have found
that TCC:
 |
increases
your physical energy |
|
improves your balance,
flexibility and stamina |
|
expands your creativity |
|
heightens your awareness
and clarity |
|
reduces your stress
and blood pressure, while bringing your body's weight
into natural equilibrium |
|
eliminates headaches
and migraines |
|
helps osteoarthritis
(according to the Arthritis Foundation) |
|
eases symptoms of fibromyalgia |
|
reduces your cholesterol |
|
improves your circulation |
|
boosts your immune system |
|
brings joy and calm
where there was depression and anxiety |
|
and generally improves
health and well-being |
According to a Chinese proverb, "You
cannot appease the hunger by reading the menu."
In other words, you gotta eat (or practice, as the case
may be). As the originator of TCC says, "Practice
when you want to, and practice when you don't want to."
Benefits can't be predicted or guaranteed,
but you will definitely find them with regular practice.
And fortunately for everyone, you don't have to take
a huge leap of faith or accept our word for it. Why?
Because results are often felt with one or two movements.
Individual experiences derived through TCC tend to speak
for TCC.
If you want to read about specific TCC
experiences, request the pamphlet Blooming the
Flower from the T'ai
Chi Chih Association of New Mexico ($2.60 for one,
but multiple discounts are available; tel 505-299-2095;
3107 Eubank NE, Suite #19, Albuquerque, NM 87111).
back
to top
|
How do T'ai Chi
Chih and T'ai Chi Ch'uan (and other Qi gong practices)
differ? |
Although the names sound similar, the
practices are distinct. One of the first things to know,
though, is that T'ai Chi Chih is not a short
form of T'ai Chi Ch'uan.
All Qi gong practices, though, work with
the Chi.
T'ai Chi Chih (pronounced "Tie Chee
Chuh") was originated in 1974 by American T'ai
Chi Ch'uan Master Justin F. Stone, who studied in India
and Japan in the 1960s.
T'ai Chi Ch'uan is an ancient and honored
Chinese martial art that consists of 108 continuous
movements. Mastery of T'ai Chi Ch'uan can take months
or years.
T'ai Chi Chih is neither a martial art
nor a self-defense practice. And the benefits can be
felt immediately.
Mr. Stone, by the way, is also an accomplished
author (published by Good
Karma Publishing; tel 888-540-7459), artist,
and musician.
back
to top
|
Who can do
T'ai Chi Chih? |
The short answer is "everyone."
People of any age or physical ability can experience
benefits from regular practice.
The originator, Justin F. Stone, celebrated
his 87th birthday in late 2003 and practices T'ai Chi
Chih twice daily.
No special clothing or equipment is required.
Very little space is needed.
Movements may be adapted for those with
physical limitations.
To learn more about T'ai Chi Chih, visit
www.taichichih.org.
back
to top
|
Tips for
practicing |
Don’t drink cold water after practice
since it’s a shock to the system.
Don’t practice in the evening since
it may keep you awake.
Even though TCC is a gentle practice,
it is also profoundly powerful. We suggest that beginners
practice 15 minutes daily for the first two weeks, then
increase by five minutes a week for the next five weeks.
After eight weeks you’ll be ready
for the whole practice daily. And your friends will
have noticed subtle differences in your attitudes and
behaviors -- for instance, calmness, a sense of focus,
and patience.
back
to top
Cranes courtesy
of artist Ou Mie Shu
T'ai Chi Chih®
is a federally registered trademark of Good Karma Publishing.
T'ai Chi Chih Boston & T'ai Chi Chih ABQ
Ph 617-901-9628 | email Kim here
©2003-07 Kim
Grant. All Rights Reserved.
|
