Over the past few weeks we have been exploring our Tai Chi Principals to effectively learn how to stretch to increase range of motion and circulation. We have looked at Yin / Yang Separation, using relaxation to create a healthy stretch; breathing;
Smiling from the Heart and being in the NOW.
Tai Chi has layers... Parfaits have layers! I LOVE Parfaits! Everybody LOVES Parfaits!
When you first begin Tai Chi or Qigong training, you spend all your time on the physical layer trying to figure out the flow, balance and coordination of each technique. Once the muscle memories are well established (and yes it will happen) you can turn your attention more towards the mental layers. This does not mean you can "forget" about the physical coordination, it just means that your ability to focus mentally has increased, enabling you to shift greater attention towards other areas while maintaining focus on strong physical skills. HA! you just thought you were getting off easy...
TOTAL BODY UNIT!!
Tai Chi and Qigong are not simply exercise, they are a way of training the body, mind and spirit to coordinate and be unified; balanced. "Total Body Unit" my teacher often says. These three layers interact and are responsible to each other. Think about how hard it is to maintain concentration when you are in physical pain, and how hard it is to be in a good mood. Just as our physical state can affect our mental and spiritual balance, each layer can affect the other. If you are in a good mood "smiling from the heart" typically, your concentration will be strong and you will feel physically great! If you are mentally stressed, does it not affect your mood and your physical abilities as well? Migraines, ulcers, high blood pressure, loss of appetite, nervousness and insomnia are just some conditions that result from mental stress and anguish.
Consistent training is critical...
Smiling Energy is a very powerful tool for helping to restore your physical and mental layers to good health. However, it does take consistent practice. In my work with pain management, I have found that if a student is trying to learn these techniques while they are in severe pain it is MUCH more difficult than if they are training prior to or between episodes of pain. Mental and spiritual training is just like physical training, in that, it takes focused attention and consistent practice to make a real difference. Time and again I have seen the correlation between a student's level of dedication to training be directly proportionate to their results. You get out of it what you put into it...Period. No short cuts.
Where to start?
Think about a time when you felt really good inside. When your heart was full and vibrant! Smiling Energy lives there. Observe an infant when they are happy (typically on a full belly and with a clean diaper ;-)) and you will experience the purest form of this Smiling Energy available on this planet. From birth, we all have it inside us, we just have varying degrees of difficulty getting to it. Our own mental "clutter" obstructs our ability to reach deep enough to hold our "Smiling baby" for very long. However, if you want it, you can have it back. It may be for fleeting moments at first but with CONSISTENT practice it will become more familiar and comfortable. You will be able to reach inside and smile whenever you need it. Then, over time, and with focus, you will find it more comfortable to be with your smiling heart than anywhere else.
Smiling Meditation
Get comfortable. This can be sitting, lying down, whatever, just be comfortable. Give yourself 5 minutes of alone time, set an alarm if you are on a tight schedule so you do not have to focus on the clock. Begin by focusing on your breathing. Follow your inhale in and out of your body, quietly listening and relaxing your muscles with every exhale. As you feel yourself become more relaxed, think back to a memory when your smiling energy was bright and you felt truly happy. Linger in that heart felt moment as long as you can. Once it has released itself you can focus back on your breath and begin the process again. Pick a moment in time, linger in that moment and smile. At first it may be difficult to hold that thought for long and you may feel frustrated. Focus on your breath and let the frustration go. This will take time and effort on your part but it is a wonderful healing tool to have at your disposal when you need it.
Smile and be well.... :-)
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