Our focus this week was on focus; attention to detail; listening, being SimplyAware (great name for a company). Inevitably, there is always a student that comes to me saying that they are not getting anything our of their Tai Chi class training. As I watch them practice, it is clear to see why. There body is in the room but their mental awareness is a hundred miles away. They are thinking more about NOT getting anything out of the movement then they are about GETTING something from the movement. They are going through the motions of the class expecting to "get it" through osmosis or something other than simple attention to detail.
You get out of it what you put into it...
Plain and simple. If you are fully present in the movement you are working (posture, alignment, relaxed breath, smiling heart, slow and deliberate movement) you will maximize the potential benefit of this practice. Tai Chi and Qigong are subtle in nature but powerful in their depth. Nothing but time and effort on your part will unfold its complex and profound nature to you. In one class this week as I was sharing these insights, I watched a lady walk by on the indoor track, literally with her head down, as if she was pouting or studying her shoes. She seemed to be laboring through this process in such a way that made me feel sad for her. I wanted to go out, adjust her posture and help her find a smile to carry around the track. Walking is a great exercise but her reluctant attitude, poor posture and seeming lack of attention to the exercise severely limits any benefits she could hope to achieve.
Single minded focus...
I associate most new student's ability to concentration with that of a three year old, on a "mission". Just try to keep their attention to something other than their "mission" and you will know what I mean. They will come to your request and quickly drift back to their original "mission"; drawn back again to your request, they will focus for a moment and BAM back to their original "mission". That is unless something else has already caught their eye then all bets are off! Initially I find that students have a hard time keeping their attention to the focus I have given them but over time, with consistent practice, it becomes easier. I had many of my more advanced students tell me this week how their overall ability to concentrate has been so positively affected by their Tai Chi and Qigong training. YEAH TEAM!
Practice: Minding the Breath is a wonderful tool for creating a concentrated focus. Simply find a movement or form that you like doing over and over again (such as Open and Close or Gathering Breath) and work to connect your breath seamlessly to that movement. Try not to hold your breath and try to elongate the breath and movement as your concentration improves. As you work notice when your mind starts drifting and gently guide it back to the focus you have chosen.
The many layers of Tai Chi and Qigong revealed...
I have mentioned many times, there are three layers to Tai Chi and Qigong training. Physical, mental and spiritual. As you begin your training you will first be challenged by the physical aspects of training. (left hand, right foot, balance, breath! AHHRRRG!) As your muscle memory develops you will find more mental space being opened up for higher levels of focus. Deeper awareness of the physical layer as well as visualizations, single minded focus and then a still, clear mind are all found through focused attention. Once the mental game is in place you will notice more doors opening up on the spiritual level. Your visualizations will begin to take shape of smiling energy while moving gracefully through the forms. Each layer reveals more layers and those reveal more layers in a never ending exploration of your true nature and deepest self. Tai Chi and Qigong can provide you with a profound connection to your physical, mental and spiritual selves creating a peaceful environment of total unity.
Tai Chi and Qigong are not an exercise program like aerobics or pilates, they are a journey deep into the self that provide insights and spiritual awakenings with a significant side benefit of tremendous health and vitality.
I wish you well on your Tai Chi and Qigong adventure!
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