What is Tai Qi?
Tai Qi is an ancient Chinese term meaning “the supreme ultimate,��? and historically used to refer to that which holds together heaven and earth. Living beings are thought to function as the energetic connection between heaven and earth and Tai Qi is the great unity in which the polarities of Yin and Yang are contained. As a Martial Art, Tai Qi aims at moving and strengthening the internal energy Qi. Unlike hard-style martial arts such as boxing and karate which rely on muscle strength, Tai Qi uses the highly focused mind and relaxed body to move and attract Qi. If the heart, mind and body are in sync, Qi flows along the body’s meridians. This energy flow can be felt as a stream of prickly warmth.
There are many practicing principles of Chen Style Tai Qi, but here are 5 vital practices that you can take into any activity:
- Calm the heart, quiet the mind from beginning to end
- Find equilibrium in your center
- Allow your heart to command and lead
- Practice with slow deliberation
- Discover stillness in movement