Tai Chi

Tai chi is the martial art practice that brings the focus of the mind into its slow, controlled, powerful and graceful movements. It is classified as an internal martial art because of the mental intent that drives every movement from within.

The goal of tai chi is to achieve balance in all aspects of posture and movement, ultimately being one with nature. Tai Chi training teaches us to look inwards to achieve calmness, balance and awareness that can help improve our health physically, mentally and emotionally.

Mindfulness

Mindfulness is the practice of bringing one’s attention to the present moment, paying attention to one’s thoughts and feelings in the present moment, without getting caught up in them or reacting to them.

The goal of mindfulness is to help people become more aware of their thoughts and feelings, and to learn how to respond to them in a more balanced and healthy way. It can help people reduce stress, improve focus and concentration, and increase feelings of calm and well-being.

The connection between tai chi and mindfulness

The practice of tai chi is based on the foundation of mindfulness. Tai chi is often described as a “moving meditation,” as it involves focusing on the present moment, not allowing any kind of distraction to affect us. Our entire intent and focus is to listen and pay attention to the changes in our body at every present moment while we practice the moves from beginning to end.

To achieve this level of concentration requires the tai chi practitioner to move slowly and consciously, always maintaining a sense of clarity of where our body and limbs are and how we feel with each movement. You have to feel it first within your body before the actual physical movement takes place.

The inherent nature of training in this manner means you will not have time to think of other things and you will not notice other things. Whatever worrying thoughts you might have before will be gone when you start to practice, noise or other people moving around you will not distract you. Tai chi training can therefore help to cultivate a sense of inner peace and calm.

The benefits of mindfulness training in tai chi

In addition to the mental benefits that can help reduce stress and anxiety, practicing tai chi brings about a whole lot of physical benefits as well, like improved balance, coordination, flexibility and overall strength. Being mindful of each and every movement means the risk of injury is extremely low, it can be a powerful tool for anyone training to recover from an injury or just improving their physical fitness and range of motion.

Anyone can try tai chi regardless of your age or current level of fitness. What it takes is the willingness to focus inwards and the patience to learn to feel and listen to your own body.