Friday, January 13, 2012

Tai Chi by the sea

 Tai Chi is best done outside. The whole point of this practice, according to Chinese teachers, is to unite with nature.  Dr. Wu, of the Nine Palaces tradition, says that morning is a good time.
At the bach, I had found a good spot, where I felt close to the trees, and yet was sheltered from the wind. As I did my Tai Chi, a tui would come and perch on a nearby branch, or keruru would fly overhead.
Now I'm in town, I needed to find a new spot. And so this morning, the first day without rain this year, I ventured down to the jetty.
Would it be too windy? Dr. Wu says 'A gentle breeze is good, but too much wind will disrupt the chi.' I found a spot that seemed sheltered enough.
 The tide was full, and the wind was washing the waves in to shore. 'Keep away from still water,' says Dr Wu. 'Flowing water is good.'
 This water was flowing all right. The sound of sloshing waves entered my body as I moved into 'Scooping up the sea', and 'Playing with waves'.
The expanse of sky entered my lungs as I continued with 'Playing with clouds', and 'Spreading one's wings'. I felt I was moving high and free as I did 'Flying like a goose', and I imagined night had fallen as I found myself 'Carrying the Moon.'
By the time I had finished, and gathered all this inspiration into my belly, I felt that the elements had taken residence inside me, giving me all I needed for the day ahead.

I'm still learning this practice, with the help of the video on the website www.taichi18.com. And I'm loving it. My new year resolution is to practice outside as much as I can, and in this way to allow the inspiration of the seasons to flow freely within my body.

8 comments:

Elisabeth said...

Seasonal outdoor inspiration, Juliet. It sounds wonderful.

Juliet said...

That's it exactly, Elisabeth. And yes, it was wonderful. I've felt energised and inspired all day.

Anonymous said...

Wonderful, Juliet. Your pictures and words are an inspiration to me this snowy winter day. I can feel the energy come through and I thank you.

Juliet said...

Penny, you are so welcome.

Lynley said...

The chi would be blown away here at the moment as the gales persist.

Tai Chi is such a wonderful form of exercise and your spot was ideal
The names of the various poses are so evocative and so matched to your ideal spot.

Juliet said...

Lynley, yes I love the names of the poses too - they are so poetic. I hope the gales clear soon.

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Juliet .. sounds good and as long as that little haven of jetty water remains a haven .. you'll be fine.

I'm doing some exercise class where the chap uses some of these principals .. and the exercises certainly open up all the muscles.

Good to read about .. I recognise some things! Cheers Hilary

Juliet said...

Thanks Hilary; you know what I'm talking about - and the jetty belongs to the apartment block where I live, so it's a good haven.