Yesterday I attended an MS society conference and I wanted to share what I learned there with you all. This is a continuation from yesterday. The second part of the conference was the most fun and was one of the main reasons I went at all. We got to learn some Tai Chi.
I have always been fascinated by martial arts and especially Tai Chi. I have only taken one itty bitty class in it so I really know nothing. I love to try to challenge my body so thus far I have taken: Tae Kwon Do, the Tai Chi class, ballroom dancing, shag dancing, and belly dancing! I can say with pride that I suck at all of them! Heh! I have always been uncoordinated and clumsy with or without MS but it doesn't stop me from trying and having a good time.
Anyways...this little session was special because she tried to gear it a little for folks with MS. Whoever could not stand, could remain in their chairs and do the movements they could do. Actually we all started off sitting and began with loosening up the joints. What particularly felt so good to me was the shoulder one. All we did was roll them forward and then back. I thought to myself, "I gotta do this more often."
I found a small video...not of what we did exactly....but some warm ups nonetheless. I will put it at the bottom of my post here.
We did a little of the forms and I as always...I was amazed by how graceful and fluid the instructor's movements were. And powerful too. It doesn't seem that such slow methodical movements are part of martial arts but as she explained...it is like all this great energy coiled up...ready to spring. You are doing so much when you do the movement slowly. It is like with weight training...I see all the folks at the gym moving so fast...trying to get the reps done but really...if you slow down a bit and feel the position and form of your muscles...you can do a whole lot more. Try to do a squat slowly...it is a whole lot more effective.
I also like the slow movements of Tai Chi because they are a symbol for how you may lead your life...with conscious focus and direction. Life doesn't have to be a blur...you can slow things down so you can feel the process.
It was just a flavor of Tai Chi really...but enough to whet the appetite to want more. I found the stretches and movements very pleasing. It all felt good!
So here is a little video I found. And if anyone knows more about Tai Chi...tell us about it because...I would love to know more.
Come sit a spell and shoot the breeze. Sweeten the day with a little synchronicity...
9 comments:
the clip is just warmup exercises, but worth emulating, to one's ability
if you can, please look into qigong [zheegong] to help ease pains and improve health
combined with tai chi chuan, you have a great resource....
I agree with Lauhgingwolf.
I have been practicing the Japanese art of Aikido for almost....20 years (oh, crap..I'm getting old!) and my daily routine includes a mix of Qi gong and Tai chi. The Qi gong for breathing and the Tai chi mind body focus...generally speaking.
C:)
PS. there are those who feel that the term 'meditative art' better describes Qi gong and Tai Chi than 'martial art'. But, then others scoff at that. I hold with the former because a martial art should be founded on a meditative art. But, that is just me...C:)
You've written so much since my last visit - I have to catch up! I'm glad you went to a conference that was helpful to you. The reminder that the slow powerful movements of Tai Chi are a way to live life, to slow down to experience the process is helpful.
I had a medical emergency on Monday (that I have not written about), and I've been offline for the most part, and just now saw your comment on my blog. Thank you so much. I left a response for you there.
Thank you. I hope you are having a good day.
tai chi has always been fascinating to me. there's nobody here who teaches it though.
I studied Tai Chi years ago and found in it wisdom as well as practical benefit. I stopped doing it during the hell years, but have recently returned to it post-stroke and found it to be a useful tool in rediscovering myself beyond the barriers of health.
Tae Kwon Do, Tai Chi class, ballroom dancing, shag dancing, and belly dancing!
WOW!
You are one impresive lady.
Do you think that you'll find a class and sign up for it?
I never thought Tai Chi could be used to help people with MS.
Surely there are Tai Chi videos that are catered to MS patients somewhere.
So now its my turn to be quizzical
Shag Dancing - what is that!
All of your UK readers will be rolling around at that one as over here a shag is a f**k.
So maybe when we were younger all dancing was hopeful shag dancing :-)
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