Tai Chi and Qigong are sometimes known as the hidden arts. Hidden for two main reasons, first the true art is often kept secret between closed door students and their teachers and second because to the untrained eye the movements or static postures does not show or tell the full story.
The release of form alongside the absorption of the mind within the body are the two qualities that have to be developed, because without them we are often just waving our hands around in a choregraphed manner which will have extremely limited benefits especially when we are young, flexible and vibrant. However, gentle external bodily movement for the more mature age range can obviously give some balance, mobility and relaxation benefits, but beyond that very little. Without these above highlighted qualities it is not really Tai Chi or Qigong.
This is where people on the outside looking in or beginners fall down. All they can see is the gentle external movements timed with the breath, it is extremely hard to see or sense the deeper subtle processes that are happening within when the release and absorption qualities are adhered to.
It is essential to get correct guidance on the Qigong exercises or when performing Tai Chi practice to make the ‘art’ or any practice valid. It takes time to build up enough concentration, sensitivity and mind body connection skills to be able to apply the release and absorption qualities appropriately to a specific movement.
In this modern society of high stress where everyone is rushing around at a rapid pace does not lean towards developing these skills sets, in fact it is the complete opposite. It is tremendously hard to have any sense of peace, let alone fashion some sort of ‘inner stillness’ when 10-14 hours of the day is so hectic.
This only leads to more time needed, which requires a certain amount of energy to maintain the discipline which sadly most people do not have as they are already running on fumes. It is these lifestyle/priorities that has to be adjusted for any significant transformation to occur, so very often people leave class before they even get started.
If the internal arts are practice correctly, they can generate just as much discomfort and pain as external martial arts or physical exercise. The process of stretching and opening the body and channels, releasing tension, the discipline of developing a concentrated mind with the emotional releases that often arises through the letting go and surrendering aspect of the practice can all be an extremely painful one, yet vital if we are going to completely transform the whole person (self). At first these practices can often create a level of mental or emotional resistance but through constant and gentle persuasion the resistance will dissolved over time and with any luck transform into a joyful acceptance.
My wish is for these magnificent arts to no longer be hidden and available for all. If we are not careful the true art may be lost forever, and there is nothing more blissful than sitting in a sea of Qi.
Comments