| Feature Article
Awaken Your Body, Mind and Spirit
–
Chief Instructor Brett Wagland
The
ancient Chinese internal health and martial arts, shrouded in mystery,
drawn from nature and refined over thousands of years, still inspire
modern day practitioners. These ancient treasures are well worth
mining. They could be lost forever if they were not kept alive by
masters and students who understand the true value of knowing the body,
mind and spirit. Through these practices, people who have been wracked
by pain and live a restricted life, have rediscovered their health,
freedom and spirit. They have found an inner beauty which has renewed
their lives. This is the true power of the internal arts of China.
When you
practise the Hun Yuan Qigong, you feel the tensions being washed away,
firstly in the larger muscles, then deeper into smaller muscles,
tendons, joints and finally, into the organs. Eventually, every cell is
bathed in a deep, warm sensation of energy. It feels good; it feels
natural; the way the body should be. Each time you do the Hun Yuan
Qigong, you notice the tiredness and stiffness of the day being gently
massaged and washed away from the inside out. You feel your mind and
body being drawn into an energy field of calm and rejuvenation. How
wonderful! The world has gone techno but we still have dominion over
ourselves.
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Huashan |
Many of
us don’t know our bodies. We are unaware of its weaknesses. We don’t
feel the changes. We have a headache but we don’t see or feel the
causes. We don’t know how to regulate our bodies, that is, slow our
heart beat, reduce our blood pressure, increase circulation, relieve our
tension and calm our busy minds. Using Tai Chi, we can do these things
without drugs.
Qi or
energy moving through the body is no longer a mystery to those who
practise Qigong or Tai Chi regularly. Our bodies can teach us so much
about ourselves. We discover a whole world of information and
awareness. Persevere with your practice and the sensation of qi will
become stronger. Your vital energy will make itself known.
When you
are training in these arts, you become aware of your body as never
before. It is not only physical. Yes, we loosen our joints, shoulders,
spine, hips, legs, hands and organs. Everything has to be trained and
opened. Our bodies gradually become more alive and spirited. You move
like someone half of your age. Strong legs give you balance. You glide
as you walk. A flexible spine relieves tension and reduces back pain.
You can move like a coiling snake. Relaxed shoulders and back give you
greater range of movement. As your training progresses, you increase
your loading and endurance. Practising at a lower level further
stimulates the internal energy. You will also notice a connection with
the deeper muscles.
As you
practise your Tai Chi form, you will feel different degrees of
coordination which allow power to come through. Your movements begin
to flow like a fish swimming in water. Coordination depends on the
opening and strengthening of the joints and a mindfulness to kinetically
link the body from head to toe, creating a holistic expression of
movement.
Tai Chi
practice involves both mind and body. It trains us to be aware of our
mind and body. Awareness leads to an uplifting of consciousness and
awakens our spirit to a more inspiring state. We can all live and
experience ourselves on a higher level. You do not have to suffer pain
and be a victim of negative emotions. You are not a slave to your
body-mind. If the mind and body are respected and trained, they will
serve you and awaken you to the untapped potential within. Enjoy the
journey!
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