The vast majority of people on earth look for something beyond the physical plane, and many religions of the world aim at achieving such a feat. Scores of people see church, prayer, and the reading of a holy text to be avenues to reach enlightened spirituality, but is this the only way?
Tai Chi, an ancient form of martial arts, is one alternative. With roots touching nearly two millennia ago, Tai Chi has developed into a widely heard of, but equally misunderstood practice. Essentially, the art combines movement, meditation, and awareness in pursuit of heightened spiritual connectedness, not just with another plane, but also with the world as a whole.
Traditional Tai Chi is not the type of martial art you see in movies where a character like Jackie Chan fends off 20 foes; rather, it is focused on the spiritual and mental development of a person, not simply one’s raw physical ability. The health benefits of regular practice transcend what one would normally assume, and the mental empowerment achieved helps to reinforce people’s self-esteems and confidence.
To clarify, there are two types of Chinese Martial Art systems: the external and the internal. The external focuses on hard power, strength, and speed. Shaolinquan and Wushu – both of which have explosive attacks and extreme techniques – characterize this type of style.
On the other hand, the internal focuses on stability, awareness of spirit, and qi (breath or energy flow). Rather than developing oneself for tremendous attacks, internal style prepares its practitioner for the defense. Tai Chi is an internal style. Below, we’ll briefly examine the nature of meditation and the subsequent health benefits of Tai Chi.
A Focus on Meditation
We often think of mediation as involving a stationary position, most likely sitting, absent of movement. Tai Chi differs in this respect. While mediation is critical for Tai Chi (maintaining homeostasis is a core goal), movement is incorporated to develop a sense of awareness and connectedness to the world around you. This, coupled with relaxation, is actually a defensive means in order to nullify or initiate attacks.
Tai Chi focuses on this universal marriage between the student and his or her surroundings. Physician Hua-tu’o, who lived during the Three Kingdoms (220-265 AD), highlighted the importance of movement. The link between the natural world and our bodies develops through movement, and here, an immediate health benefit exists.
Tai Chi and Your Health
To begin, the benefit of any regular exercise is tied to Tai Chi. More energy, raised alertness, and an overall sense of solidarity come from all physical workouts. Additionally, however, with the stances and movements of Tai Chi, there is said to be added benefits: Tai Chi helps aid digestion, circulation, and mental stability.
In fact, through the silence and serenity facilitated by Tai Chi, a calmness of mind is achieved. The settling of doubt, fear, and passion in turn allows for a wise and reasoned approach to one’s problems and those around who are commanded by anger. Patience, in more ways than one, is a virtue that can be attained by the practice of Tai Chi. It allows you to gauge your responses, listen to another’s argument, and mediate a peaceful decision.
In Tai Chi, becoming physically fit and capable is critical for effective self-defense, but there are numerous other benefits like those above. Proper breathing, posture, and movement are key to unlocking improved stability and health, and these attributes are the main focus of this ancient style of spirituality.
Developing one’s capability to overcome physical and mental stresses is the ultimate goal of Tai Chi. Usually, a student can develop the skills behind unlocking health benefits and powerful meditation, but mastering Tai Chi as a martial art can take years of training. Tai Chi offers a great alternative for reaching that higher ground, but more importantly, it equips us with the mentality and stature to face the challenges of life head on, with both stamina and robust ability.
Originally published August 17th, 2010.
April 11, 2011 at 4:02 pm
Being Muslim, I have never felt such internal peace as when I pray in congregation with fellow Muslims from all over the world. Before this, my peace was achieved through running – runners high.
When you pray with 2 million people in Mecca or Medinah, you just cannot imagine how peaceful you get and how connected you are to God. Its almost like an out-of-body experience you read about.
In our prayer, the Quran is recited. For me and countless others, it invokes internal peace, even though we do not know a word. When I play Quran recitations to non-Muslims, they also feel that peace.
For me, I just cannot achieve peace in meditation as my mind wanders. I guess those who chant get that same peace.
May 30, 2012 at 6:37 am
I have been teaching Tai Chi Chuan for over 30 years. It is an excellent exercise for developing calm and self-control but it is also a formidable martial art that focuses on yielding to and redirecting an oncoming force.
It is true that most people come to Tai Chi Chuan as a form of meditation but it is not practiced in a mindless state. It requires one to not “empty the mind” but focus intently on the flow of “chi” energy
within the body. It is this focus that unifies the mind and body and that unity, or sense of self-control brings a sense of joy and well being that people are looking for.
For more information on Tai Chi Chuan and the other kung fu styles taught, check us out at http://www.albenderskungfuacademy.com.