Longwater Tai Chi - Practice Tip
Every month or so we intend to post a little tip that may help you with your Tai Chi or Chi Gung practice.
Sync with the Seasons
In traditional Chinese medicine, the seasons play an important part in governing our lives, in particular via the internal organs and the general energy flow that occurs through them. Actually, it wasn't that long ago that we in the West paid a lot more attention to the season we were in; digging in for the winter, setting forth in spring.
As we come into Autumn, we fall under the influence of the Metal Element, which controls the lungs, large Intestine, spine and brain. In particular the lungs affect our enthusiasm and willingness to learn (mental clarity). By exercising the mid to upper back, and strengthening the spine and brain, we give ourselves plenty of deep Yang energy to see us through the winter lows (colds, flu, depression).
The spinal stretch taught as part the Opening the Energy Gates neigong is good to practice now. Also focus on your breathing - allow this to be smooth and continuous, using your nose and not your mouth, keeping the chest still and dropping the breath into the belly, then up the back to the head. Be on the lookout for any tensions in your body as you exercise and breathe, especially if something does not feel quite right and you can't put a name to it. Be willing to allow these feelings to relax, soften and dissipate - leaving you with only what is essential for supporting you through the coming winter.
September 2009
