In Tai Chi, many people give up before they gain any real benefits, and fail to realise that they have made no progress. Tai Chi, by its nature, requires a great deal of patience due to the detailed study and level of personal application required. In the west unfortunately people like to have the success instantaneously in most things that they do. Not so in China where people realise that in order to succeed one must have sincere, diligent study and application.
In order to progress in this wonderous art form, it is important to practise regularly. Spiritual rewards can only be gained through the physical. It is lke "Bye one get one free". Train effectively, with a good heart and open mind, and the rewards will come. When that time arrives you will understand.
The Tai Chi Community would like to thank and applaud all our members for the excellent manner in which they have adapted to their new home in the Foyle Disablity Resource Centre. In particular we appreciate the obvious respect all have shown towards the facility and its furnishings. Well done everyone.
A number of members have expressed concern abut the amount of fundraising which has take place within the Tai Chi Community on behalf of different groups. Many members say they feel pressure and discomfort by this. It has therefore been decided that in future all kinds of fundraising including selling tickets and sponsorship etc. will not be permitted at class. Our loyalty will only be to our community and to our friends at the Foyle Disablity Resource Centre.
Tai Chi Community members annual Christmas night out is on Friday 7th December 2001 at the Pitcher's Restaurant, Foyle Golf Centre. The premises, which have been recently refurbished, should ensure a good night out in very luxurious surroundings. The evening will consist of a Christmas meal and live entertainment. The annual event was again coordinated by Vonnie Harvey. Those wishing to attend should place a deposit of £5 with Vonnie ASAP as numbers will be greatly restricted to ensure compliance with the law. Remember also that Vonnie, like everyone else, is entitled to a night of fun, so please ensure that she doesnt have to chase after anyone on the night for outstanding monies. All monies must be in by Monday 3rd December
Tai Chi is an ancient Chinese martial art based on fundamental Taoist principles. it can prevent illness and prolong life span. It also reinforces the bones and muscles, regulates blood pressure and is an excellent method for promoting all-round good health. regular practise of the Tai chi form will strengthen the body and reinforce the constitution. A sincere Tai Chi player must try to achieve great concentration be relaxing the spirit and become naturally at ease. Breathing must always be calm and not forced or consciously controlled.
Body alignment in Tai Chi is very important. it takes lots of time and practise for the body mind and spirit to harmonise and become well coordinated. The "good feeling" is usually a result of correct body posture, which allows a better, and much more effective circulation of Chi energy throughout the body's acupuncture points and meridians. As the saying goes PRACTISE MAKES PERFECT.
Members should be aware that April 2002 will be the 10th anniversary of Wen Hui's first visit to the city. During her next visit in the springtime the Tai Chi Community will be arranging a very special celebration to thank her for the wonderful gift she unselfishly gave the people of this city.
Before starting your TC practise, be sure to take a moment to hook up your basic energy points. To your Dan Tien just below your bellybutton. Then your Yung Chaun on the soles of your feet, the Bai Hui point on the top centre point of your head, and the Lao Gung point in the centre of your palms. Since energy follows the mind, these points will be connected together, like a string of pearls, by concentrating on them. The deeper your attention and focus to these points, he stronger the energy connection will be.
One of the best known symbols of our time is the Yin & Yang symbol, which almost everyone associates with Chinese philosophy. Many ideas are contained within it, for example, the joining of opposites, unity, duality, movements flowing into one another. to name a few. It's simplicity and complexity are to be marvelled upon. The principle of Yin Yang is like comparing life to a flowing river. "You can never step into the same river twice, because it is constantly flowing it is never the same river." In Tai Chi all this is expressed in the flowing of movements into one another. The human being who has become one with life and the Yin Yang, and expresses that oneness through the seamless flow of movement will reap great physical and spiritual benefits.
Poem
Tender, touching and flowing,
A feeling
Inspiring to me,
Calming, soothing movements
Healthy, harmonious to me
Instinctive, natural
movements
Aspire to a life
Within me
