Tai Chi: Just Relax, Let Your Chi Flow Freely - Tai Chi

By Sensei Sandeep Desai

Different people practise Tai Chi for different reasons. Some take it up for health benefits and others, for spiritual development. But the more serious practitioners never lose sight of the fact that Tai Chi is basically a martial art. Whatever your reason for studying Tai Chi, there is no denying that one hour of Tai Chi effects changes in your attitude, outlook, and perception, making you stress-free. You concentrate better on your breathing, connect to your - chi and feel grounded, physically and mentally.

You also become non-judgemental in your inter-actions with yourself and others. You observe and note things around you and how they affect you. Remember, Mother Teresa said: - If you try to judge a person, you cant love himÓ. Being non-judgemental makes way for clarity and calm in your daily life.

We all have to deal with inconsiderate people who test our patience at work, at the bank, or other places, every once in a while. Instead of losing sleep over it and making ourselves miserable, it is better to - kill - him with kindness. Its a powerful practice and it works.

Often, people say: - Sir, Im tied up with work - or - Where is the time for Tai Chi? - This is not a valid excuse. Every one of us can find at least five idle minutes out of our busy day. If you dont agree with me write down every little thing you do from the time you get up until the time you go to bed. For example: brushing teeth, 3 minutes; reading the newspaper, 15 minutes; looking for car keys, 2 minutes; and so forth.

After you figure out where all your time is going, you can easily apportion at least five minutes for your breathing, posture or a few peaceful Tai Chi movements. Even standing in a relaxed, spine-straight position for a few minutes will make you think more clearly and see things in perspective. True, work is an indispensable part of your life, but when you work punishing hours, you not only put your health at risk, affecting your output, you also miss out on family, fun and freedom. Learn to say - noÓ. Taking a day off does not make you an irresponsible person; it just means enough is enough and it is time to go home and take it easy.

Life is all about right timing. Postponing fun can take away excitement, causing dissatisfaction, and boredom sets in. Remember, work is only one part of your life. Pushing yourself past the point of diminishing returns will hamper your personal and professional growth. Sometimes it is important to slow down in order to speed up.

There is a famous Chinese phrase, - Weigh your wu weiÓ, which translates loosely into - effortless effort - or - do without doingÓ. Most of the time we are trying harder than we actually need to. Forcing the lid off the jar, pounding harder on the keyboard, punching the elevator button several times in rapid succession, lifting too much weight in the gym Ñ these are some examples of trying too hard.

Stop doing this. Realise that life is made up of little things. Instead of going against the tide, go with the flow. Let it happen naturally. If you ever get a chance to watch a Tai Chi master in action, you will notice that the master doesnt seem to be trying very hard, yet he is effectively moving an opponent.

Be fully present in the moment. Tai Chi is specifically about the process, not the goal or destination. In Tai Chi, you never do really get there; rather you are always on your way there, learning and growing constantly as you go.