Tag Archives: tai chi
Because this is how I was taught
Practicing my Short Yang (Tai Chi form) this morning, I was struck by the many modifications, some subtle, some not, that my form had gone through over the years. Those changes had become even more apparent several years ago, when … Continue reading
The stressful yogi
When I recently mentioned to an acquaintance of mine that I was stressed out, she responded in surprise, “but I thought that with all your yoga and meditation practices you are never…” This is a common misconception worth clarifying: yogis … Continue reading
Fending off excuses
Early Saturday morning I felt like my entire body was revolting against the thought of heading out for my weekly Tai Chi practice. I had no particular reason for not going; just some minor body aches, a result of working … Continue reading
Embracing change
My Tai Chi practice, and, in fact, also my yoga and meditation practices, have taught me about change. While it’s corny to say that the only constant is change, is it also the true nature of things. Even my most … Continue reading
How to respond when being pushed
Practicing Push Hands with my practice buddies earlier today, I received an insightful suggestion: when I am being pushed and locked into a position where, seemingly, I have no other alternative but to use force to try and free myself … Continue reading
Relaxed does not mean weak
Heard at Tai Chi practice this morning: relaxed is not weak. It occurred to me that this is a common misperception, not only in Tai Chi practice but also generally in life. I occasionally find myself faced with a stressful … Continue reading
What makes a good teacher?
Following an email exchange I recently had with one of my Yoga studio instructors, I came to the following conclusion: a good yoga instructor is not necessarily the most flexible being, nor the most enlightened one. He or she do … Continue reading
Watching that other hand
At Tai Chi practice this morning I had an insight. We were practicing Push Hands with focus on martial arts applications. At some point I suddenly realized that I get so absorbed fending off the opponent’s pushing hand, that I … Continue reading
Surrendering to trust
At my Tai Chi practice earlier this morning, I gained an insight: rather than busy myself with every little detail of my Tai Chi Short Yang form — hands, wrists, arms etc. I focused my attention solely on my pelvis. … Continue reading
Bullies come in all shapes and sizes
Bullies come in all shapes and sizes. What I realized today is that I still don’t have a solid strategy for dealing with bullies. I was business-bullied by a person who is the type that feels that everyone owes him … Continue reading
Open Heart Energy 