Understanding The History of Tai Chi

----------

I have something pretty wonderful to tell you about. I found out about this incredible way of balancing your mind and body. It's totally unique to me. Its called Tai Chi and finding out about it changed my life. And for the better I can tell you. Practicing this diverse form of martial arts has given me a sense of well-being and serenity I never knew possible.

This is considered an internal martial arts, so if you think it is nothing but silly fighting stances and people talking without their lips moving like in the kung fu films, you should think again. It is not like that. Tai Chi is quite different and I found it captivating and very helpful in relieving my tension and stress).

First, I will tell you a little about the background of Tai Chi. The practice of tai Chi can trace its way back for centuries but most modern schools date back to about 1820 and the Chen family. They were the experts and I can tell you they really knew their stuff. Tai Chi is all about relaxation and finding a balance within yourself. It uses slow motion moves that I found myself enjoying immensely. Sometimes I wish I could go back in time and learn with the Chen family. They used it mainly for a type of therapy to aid in longevity and health. Think of it as a moving kind of meditation.

There are some basic concepts of Tai Chi that you should know about. Understanding that many people thought of it as a form of meditation has kept it enjoyable and captivating for me. Not only am I getting a good work out in by moving and tensing my muscles, but I am also training my mind by concentrating on my balance and breathing. It is such an awesome combination it makes me come back to it, anticipating the practice of it, each and every day.

An important precept is the suggestion that Tai Chi is used for health maintenance. If you are unhealthy in your body or even your head, it is difficult to stand there patiently doing most of these moves. I know for myself I felt uncomfortable going through the motions at first. I wanted to do more! I felt constricted but that is the whole point. You must be centered before you can relax.

Another thing Tai Chi is excellent in achieving is the internal act of meditation. By aligning your body and mind as one, it becomes real easy to dive into a really neat type of meditation. I found myself getting deeper and deeper within my mind and relieving my stress better.

The ancient practitioners also knew that Tai Chi would be an excellent way for beginners to start to learn martial arts. It may not be the fancy fighting kind of stuff you may be most familiar with, but for me it has grown into a devotional form of exercise I cant get enough of.

----------