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Why is Tai Chi, developed by the legendary
Taoist master Chang San-Feng during the Sung Dynasty (960-1279 C.E.) still
a valuable resource for the 21st century?
Because it has a positive effect on some very
basic issues that we all face. Tai Chi is a classic health exercise for
well-being; a moving meditation, and a soft martial art, based on
yielding.
1. All of us want to maintain optimal health throughout our lives:
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We all want to develop and maintain our
vital energy to enhance our lives and improve our health. Tai Chi is
based on the awareness and development of our Chi - vital energy.
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That vital energy needs to be distributed
throughout our bodies, penetrating to the depths of our bones. When our
Chi is distributed harmoniously throughout the body, mind and spirit, we
are in optimal health. This is an enjoyable, rewarding place to be in
our lives.
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Our chi rides on the breath. Stress can
cause us to breathe shallowly, affecting our circulation, raising blood
pressure, and decreasing our energy. The moving meditation aspect of Tai
Chi will help you to relax and balance and calm your emotions, thus
relieving stress and contributing to physical, emotional, and spiritual
good health.
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Tai Chi helps us to yield and circulate
energy, thus uprooting our conflicts.
2. In pursuing this kind of awareness and self
understanding, the Tai Chi School offers a diverse curriculum including:
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tai chi form,
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traditional and modern chi kung (study of
chi energy that uses time-tested short exercises that help bring the
experience of consciousness.
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kath (chi) generation exercises
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tui sho or push hands in partnership with
another person
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and the Tai Chi staff and sword, an
opportunity to practice principles of Tai Chi using an object, which can
be useful, practical and enjoyable to do.
3. Our curriculum unfolds in the following
levels:
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Beginning - learning the moves
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Foundational or fundamental - embodying
principle
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and intermediate - use this to bring grace
and strength into our movements the form and in your life.
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Apprentice teacher training
4. One important map to help us make these
discoveries and to develop them in ourselves is the 5 elements, a very
old, classical way to explore knowledge and movement experiences in
ourselves and in our spirits. We will explore the 5 elements throughout
the curriculum.
Are you ready to experience and develop your
Chi Energy? If so, join us for a FREE CLASS the first Saturday of each
month at 11 AM, Viscount Dance Studio #B, 724 E. Burnside, Portland, OR,
at 10 AM.
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