| Feature Article
What Makes Tai Chi and Qigong Unique Treasures?
–
Chief Instructor Brett Wagland
Recently, a student who has been practising Tai Chi for 5 months and the
Ba Duan Jin Qigong (Eight Section Brocade) for 5 weeks commented that
she is getting such a lot out of these arts. She had not realised that
such simple looking movements could work on the mind and body in so many
ways. Like many students who have tried yoga, Pilates, aerobics and
other forms of exercise, she was surprised to discover how different Tai
Chi is. I have to say that I am always very happy when I hear these
comments and I am also very grateful for having the opportunity to learn
from teachers who know the depths of these arts.
I have been studying Tai Chi for over 30 years. In my first experiences
of the art, the teachings were more the outside or cosmetic aspects of
the art. It wasn’t until I met Wang Chang Fei and Grandmaster
Fu Sheng Yuan of Yang style that my understanding went from shallow
to deep. Fei, in particular, opened my eyes to what the real meaning of
Chinese health and martial arts is all about. The difference between a
teacher who understands the depth of these arts and one who is just
getting his feet wet is like night and day. Mentioning this is not to
belittle anyone who teaches, but to point out that there are
differences. It is something that you have to try and experience. It
may not be for everyone but those who make the journey will be eternally
grateful.
In the Chinese culture, Tai Chi and Qigong are considered precious
treasures. They can liberate us and help us to develop to our full
potential. This journey requires time and effort and the guidance of a
knowledgeable teacher. The training frees us from the perils of ageing,
poor health and the limiting thinking patterns that run our lives. At
first, students believe that Tai Chi is just a bunch of slow gentle
movements. Once they go beyond the initial stages of learning something
so different, they discover a rich tapestry of movement and a vast
reservoir of wisdom. Students are surprised to learn of the influence
that the great Taoist philosopher Lao Tzu has had on the principles of Tai
Chi. In “Tao Te Ching” (written about 2,500 years ago), Lao Tzu
talks about the importance of softness and flexibility overcoming
hardness and rigidity. He points out that simplicity and
naturalness as exemplified by nature are expressed by those who have
awakened to their true nature. Quietude and spontaneity will
naturally arise out of the source.
Relaxation of mind and body is the hallmark of Tai Chi and Qigong.
Calming the mind while moving the body in a slow, fluid manner trains
the body thoroughly and enhances blood and qi circulation. In the Hun
Yuan Tai Chi system, we develop a deep sense of relaxation which enables
the practitoner to enter into a state of tranquillity. This state helps
to regulate the nervous system, bringing the body’s internal systems
back into balance. When balance is restored, the immune system
functions optimally, the digestive system operates efficiently, blood
circulation flows smoothly, etc., and so our health naturally improves.
Simply put, we feel great.
Practising Tai Chi and Qigong not only boosts our internal systems, it
also trains our sinews and muscles. The slowness and 3-dimensional
nature of the movements loosens any tension and gradually strengthens
all the joints of the body. Balance and coordination are greatly
improved. Many students have commented that they can now stand on one
leg while lifting the other leg to tie a shoelace. A search on the
internet will find many studies on how Tai Chi improves balance,
resulting in falls prevention.
The brain is also stimulated by the learning process involved in these
arts. At first, a student may find it difficult to remember and
coordinate all the movements. With perseverance, patience and practice,
a new skill is developed. New neural pathways are built through
repetitions of movements. Awareness at both physical and mental levels
is greatly enhanced.
The student who spoke with me touched on the above point, saying that
learning the movements is both
challenging and stimulating. The initial
stage of learning and memorising does take effort and time. However,
students are not judged. We only encourage them to do their best.
Class is a place for students to work on themselves. Accepting their
weaknesses is very much part of the process. Struggling to learn is not
a problem. This is a sign of developing oneself and polishing the rough
edges. With practice, we become stronger mentally, physically and
emotionally. Gradually, students become less self conscious and
judgemental of themselves. They learn to appreciate their own efforts
and eventually feel a joy and freedom of movement. As my teacher says,
“be optimistic and never give up, you will eventually succeed.”
Tai Chi has absorbed the essence of many arts over centuries. It
loosens the body gently, strengthens the internal organs, calms the mind
and can be practised as a highly effective form of self defence. From
my experience as a practitioner and teacher, I can say that it is one of
the real treasures for human kind. The Academy’s instructors, Fontane,
Lis and Chris, are among the best you will ever find. Practise so that
you can reap the benefits that we have gained from this inspiring art.
Remember it is not how good you think you are doing that counts; it is
the effort that you make that is important. Tai Chi and Qigong will
open a new dimension in your understanding of mind and body and can have
a profoundly positive effect on your life.
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