5 lessons I have learned from Tai Chi

Tai Chi is an ancient Chinese practice of slow, flowing movements designed to stretch and strengthen your muscles and bones. However, the lessons offer more advantages than what may initially seem to be simple stretches. Among other benefits, the moving meditation of Tai Chi promotes an overall sense of well-being.

I’ve learned so much from my practice, so in this post I’ve listed 5 lessons I’ve learned and reasons you might consider trying tai chi for yourself.

5 Lessons I have learned from Tai Chi

I have practiced tai chi for over 15 years, ‘practice’ being the operative word. I go through phases where I am diligent, and other times where I’m the worst sort of lazy student. The more consistent I am, the better I feel, the stronger my execution, and more fluid my moves. But there is never a time I don’t feel the benefits from practicing tai chi. It’s a rewarding, soothing practice in a world screaming with too much to do.

Slow and Steady Wins the Race

I am full of busyness. I rush and rush to make sure I’m ready to rush some more. Tai Chi teaches me to Slow. The. Hell. Down. In Tai Chi, the slower you move the more benefit you gain from the practice. The moves seem deceptively simple, but as you slow down you must practice more control. And more focus.

Focus

How many distractions do we deal with on a daily basis? Cell phone, television, internet, books, papers, ad infinitum. Do we give anything our full attention? What would it feel like if we did? As I focus on each fluid move in tai chi, I feel the force, the ‘chi’ that surrounds and flows through everything. In focusing, we quiet the mind and cultivate the stillness that we so need. The stillness that brings presence, brings us to now.

Now is what matters

How many different things take us from this moment, to tomorrow, to next week, or even back to yesterday? How much of our life do we spend in something other than now? And yet, this sacred now is all we ever really have. Tai chi brings me into my body, into the motion. Into now. The moving meditation delivers me to the present moment and teaches me that no matter where I’m going, I am already on the journey.

The journey is as important as the destination

Are we there yet? As I’ve already stated, I am a what’s next kinda gal. Planning is my jam. I race ahead of where I am now to make sure I’m ready for what’s to come. But did I notice what was along the way? Tai chi is not just a set of positions, but a journey from one pose to the next. If you flail your arms around in a rush to arrive, you’ll find yourself on the wrong foot or facing the wrong direction. The journey to each position is part of the practice, and just as important as the pose itself. It’s a subtle journey, with nuances and the opportunity to fine tune your motions as you work towards mastery, rather than perfection.

Perfect is as perfect does

Oh perfectionism! I’d be perfect if I didn’t try so hard to be perfect! Ha! Tai chi has taught me that I am clumsy and forgetful, but that I am also graceful and learned. Each day I practice is another day I reap the benefits and improve my form. Am I always good at the moves? No. Not even close. But consistent practice has taught me that if I am willing to put in the work, I can do better. I can improve my form, which leads to self acceptance, the death knell for perfectionism.

There is a reward

The lessons teach me that I will always have more to learn, but when I slow down and focus, remember to enjoy the journey and stay in the moment, I am rewarded with peace and a sense of lightness and oneness with the ‘qi’ of creation. It’s enough to keep me coming back, and to keep me practicing.

Give Tai Chi a try

If tai chi interests you and you’d like to learn more, I suggest googling tai chi lessons in your area. Classes are often offered at local community and senior centers. And if you’re in the Intermountain area and would like to attend a class, I recommend Master Lu’s Health Center, located in Salt Lake City, Utah.

All opinions are my own and I have received no compensation for any endorsements in this post.

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