Walkin' the Talk

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A few months back, I wrote about the importance of moving regularly, everyday of your life. It’s what the happiest, healthiest cultures practice, and they build it in to their everyday lives. I also mentioned that we get bored easy, and suggested that you try new things until you find a few that you love.

Recently, I find that I’m not following my own advice. I’m a walker, and my three dogs keep me going, but I’m not a cold weather person, so this winter weather we’ve been getting recently has made me, well, lazy. There, I said it.

Something else to note, is that exercise is a keystone habit, meaning it leads to other healthy habits like healthy eating and drinking more water. Exercise also keeps the blues away. So, in my laziness, I’m finding I’m snacking too much and not as happy as I usually am.

So, in an effort to hold myself accountable, I’m going to take you on a little journey with me. My goal is to try a new type of movement every month for the next three months and then report back to you at the end of each month. I’m picking the middle of winter on purpose, because it’s easy to remain active during milder weather, and I love a challenge.

For March, I’ve chosen Tai Chi. I’ve always wanted to try Tai Chi. The dance-like movements intrigue me, it’s accessible to everyone and it looks very meditative. In fact it’s been called “meditative dance.” It has all the same benefits of sitting meditation, and it improves balance, flexibility and agility. I did a search, tried some YouTube videos and settled on a course from The Great Courses called “Mastering Tai Chi.” The course consists of 24 half-hour lessons taught by International Mater Tai Chi instructor, David-Dorian Ross and includes lecture as well as movement practice. Right up my alley.

Now I should tell you that I am about as far from coordinated as you can get, so when I look at Tai Chi routines, I have to say, I’m a little intimidated. But intimidation has never stopped me before, so here goes. I’ve taken the first class and here’s what I’ve learned so far:
  • Tai Chi is a discipline that combines martial arts, meditation, therapy and spirituality. It’s really a path to living life guided by nature that focuses on harmony and balance in all life.
  • Tai Chi was invented by Daoist Sage, Chang San-Feng about 700 years ago.
  • I will be learning the Yang style of Tai Chi, because it is the most popular. Yang style includes 40 movements, shortened from 103 movements by the Chinese government in 1991.
  • While practicing Tai Chi, you’re supposed to imagine the presence of an opponent, and that opponent is a mirror image of you. There is no opponent greater than our own self-doubts, fears, ignorance and ego.
It is said that Tai Chi is a journey of self-discovery. So, wish me luck on my journey, and stay tuned!

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