Death by Recliner

The threat to our health by sitting too much has been in the news a lot lately. Almost any health magazine you might pick up these days espouses the call to get up out of our lounge chairs and get moving. The truth of the matter is that sitting too long and inactivity in general impact negatively on our health. So what can we do about it? Obviously the tai chi and qigong exercises taught here can go a long way to reverse the damage caused to our physical bodies caused by inactivity. The problem is that many of us only practice when we go to class or infrequently at home, and hardly at all when we travel (right?). It takes commitment to instill in ourselves a daily practice of at least 30 minutes or more, but this is almost a minimum requirement to forestall the ravages that inactivity wreaks on our bodies. But what if we can't remember the whole White Crane Set? Here's what I say in class every week,"Just practice what you can remember, but do it with your full attention and commitment." Do this every day and you will see amazing results. After all, what is the alternative? Nasmaste

Hard Versus Soft

As I observe students practice the White Crane Set, I see three styles of movement. The first is the stiff, overextended, hard movements of students who are unsure of the forms. These students rarely practice outside of class and take little time to consider the internal aspects of tai chi or qigong.

The second type I observe is an overly relaxed, dreamy, distracted style of movement of students who simply go through the motions. These students may practice, but don’t benefit from the mental benefits of their exercise. Both types of students may attend class regularly, and may in fact practice some on their own, but neither will realize the full benefit that a deeper, fully committed practice can provide.

The third type of student realizes the full benefits of tai chi through focused, relaxed movements practiced as part of a daily routine. Their movements are relaxed and light, circular, and follow the correct forms of the set. They feel the internal flow of chi, gathering, releasing, and moving the life force throughout their bodies. They enjoy their practice and look forward to class.

Which type of student do you want to be?

Namaste

Become the White Crane

Learning Tai Chi and Qigong can leave you in a relaxed state both mentally and physically. But how can we keep this feeling throughout the rest of the day? The technique is simple. It can be done almost anywhere when you are sitting, standing, or even walking.

To evoke the relaxed state, visualize the White Crane Set, beginning with starting position. Relax your shoulders and hands. Focus you mind on your breath. Breathe in and imagine your arms lifting with the breath. Imagine your arms rising to shoulder height and your fingers standing up. Let out the breath while your arms lower. Bend your knees and sink down. Relax and return to the starting position. Repeat the movements in your mind slowly over and over throughout the day.

While you practice these movements, believe that you possess all of the attributes of the White Crane, including patience, confidence, strength and poise. You possess the ability to elude and deflect any attack against you—physical or verbal. (This may prove to be very useful in the workplace.)

Silence and stillness are your allies. Nothing can shake your calm demeanor as you remain stalwart, centered and stable like a mountain. Imagine that your strong wings lift you effortlessly skyward and carry you as high and as far as you dare to go.

Remember that you may imagine the White Crane set and return to your relaxed state whenever you desire.

Namaste