This past weekend I participated in a special six hour Tai Chi event.
Whew!
It was referred to by my Tai Chi teacher as “Chinese Yoga.”
My muscles are still recovering, but it was well worth it! I feel stronger and more capable as a result.
Tai Chi Master Chen of Wu Dang Tao facilitated this event. You can learn more about his impressive background on his website- http://wudangtao.com.
He currently resides in Colorado where he has a retreat and healing center called the Aspen Lodge.
Master Chen shared a lot of wisdom from his tradition. What stood out the most was his discussion about what we might call “intention.”
When practicing Tai Chi (a martial art) for the purpose of health and healing (which is my intention), it is important to establish a connection with your breath.
Specifically breathing out dis”ease.” As well as breathing in, while focusing on sending your breath to your vital organs and throughout your body where ever needed.
The goal being to:
- breathe in new life and vitality, while
- breathing out negativity and toxins.
Master Chen stated that going through the movements, while challenging physically is like “Hard Work without the Harvest.”
Whether it is exercising for health and wellness or working hard toward some other goal. How often do you find your self wondering why your hard work is not showing up in your outcomes?
In other words, are you going through the motions and maybe even working hard, but not yielding your desired results?
I know I have been there, especially as it relates to exercising or working out. My Tai Chi practice is more effective if I do the following:
- focus on my breathing
- listen to soothing music
- and shift awareness to the internal flow and movement of “Chi” energy.
But sometimes, I practice while watching the morning news; not noticing my breathing or my internal work.
Master Chen’s message was an important reminder that with focus, intention and discipline your hard work will be reflected in the harvest!
Hmm…words to live by. Where is your focus and intention?
Copyright © 2015 Ruby Blow. All rights reserved.
Go to the Development Counts Facebook page or connect with me on Linkedin to share your thoughts.