The journey takes root....

Some people have great discipline.  I am amazed and jealous because I DO NOT. I need some accountability which is part of the reason I started this blog.  It gives me that external motivation I need to take care of myself.  So I joined a class.  A Tai Chi class.  You know what??  I like it.  I really like it!!  I didn’t think that I would enjoy it.  Too slow, not a workout etc.  But something about it speaks to my soul. 

Tai Chi is more of a dance than you might expect given it's roots in martial arts.  The movements are slow and fluid inducing a calm, almost meditative state.  Focusing only on breath and a series of movements really does create that peaceful calm state I am trying to maintain. 

This is not surprising when I look deeper into the roots of Tai Chi and realize it is rooted in ancient Chinese medicine.  Breaking it down to my simple understanding, it is practiced to allow qi (energy) to flow smoothly through your body.  I read an article explaining that we are viewed like little universes and like the universe we are made of the five elements (metal, water, fire, wood and earth).  It is the interaction of these five elements that forms the universe/humans and we need all this energy that runs through our bodies to be in harmony to achieve a healthy state of being.  Again, my interpretation but I’m going with it because I think it’s a cool way of looking at all the energy that runs through us and who can argue with needing that energy to work together in the name of health?!

Hmmmmm…..just another path to my mantra –

Find inner peace and the rest will fall in place

I’ve been obsessed with the idea that we absorb energy from the earth.  I was taught that if you stand leaning against a tree that you will absorb the energy that is traveling up through the roots below your feet and up along your body as the energy is delivered to the rest of the tree.  I will be discussing this idea more when I get a chance to research it more.  It is the reason for the tree logo and roots of ZenDitty.  

Do you need tai chi to achieve this?  I don’t think so, but give it a try.  Maybe it will work for you and you’ll love it like I do! 

Yours in Health.  Mind, Body & Spirit,

Tosha 

December 2023 Response:

It is giving me great joy to revisit these posts. I did Tai Chi for a while. I really loved it. I have given it up though. It doesn’t fit in my life right now and it may not again, but I know I want to fill my extra time with things that provide that kind of peace.

*Interested in finding classes?  Try calling your local yoga studio, parks & rec, continuing ed or local colleges.