Taiji teaches us how to combine dynamic integrated body movements with a focused mind and deep breathing.

In the words of Kenneth Cohen, “Taiji is often described as “meditation in motion,” but it might well be called “medication in motion.” There is growing evidence that this mind-body practice, which originated as a martial art, has value in treating or preventing many health problems.

The basic process of any movement process is to help us deepen our sense of awareness, and a sense of ‘being’. We are after all, human ‘beings’.

By practising Taiji, we tender to our physical, emotional and spiritual well-being. With curiosity our Taiji practise, like Qigong, offers us more…….. more insights, strength, balance, empathy, and the generous gift Taiji offers is given freely and ad infinitum.

As in nature, with the rain and sun encouraging the seedlings to grow, we too need to approach our practice with the same care allowing our promise of developing, thriving and blossoming to unfold in its own time without force, agenda or judgement.

“Not forcing” is Alan Watt’s translation of the Taoist idea of Wu Wei, usually translated as “non-doing”.

This quote by Alan Watts describes the practise of Taiji very well:

“To have faith is to trust yourself to the water.
When you swim you don’t grab hold of the water, because if you do you will sink and drown.
Instead, you relax and float.”

Taiji helps us to observe any in-balance we may have, be it physically or in other areas of our life. Taiji helps us become re-centred, bringing more flow into our life, and the mind-body relationship into harmony.

Taiji can help us release tension in our bodies, and in turn in our everyday routines and encounters. The body, as the teacher, helps us understand, and in time, move through the conflicts within and without, internally and externally.

Further benefits of Taiji Practice:

• The ultimate benefit of Taiji is to experience living in harmony with your body, Self and the world around you.
• Taiji balances and integrates Yin Yang & Body Mind Spirit.
• Taiji mobilises the body and helps with overall circulation.
• It activates the muscles and joints in the body.
• It strengthens physical power without tension.
• It slows down the ageing process.
• Taiji calms, clears and sharpens the mind to facilitate more informed choices in our lives
• We experience the microcosm of the world in our personal Taiji practice. Through this experience, we begin to understand the macrocosm of the universe.
• Taiji practice is a gift that keeps giving.

The Harvard Health Publication website states ‘A growing body of carefully conducted research is building a compelling case for taiji as an adjunct to standard medical treatment for the prevention and rehabilitation of many conditions commonly associated with age’.