Some recent studies identify cynicism as one of our greatest health risks. This is because being constantly suspicious of the world around you triggers unhealthy stress responses. Always try to keep an open mind and a relaxed body as you learn about your energetic nature
All should check their current membership numbers in the Membership Register with Danno Ryan. Some member, because of late registration this year will find that their registration number may be different from that of last year. If anyone should discover that their name is not on his list then you have not re- registered for membership this year. Everyone should have submitted an application form before now. The simple way to recognise this is if you have not completed a GREEN coloured registration form in the last month -You have not renewed you membership.
Members should always ensure they print their name in the register otherwise it is difficult for us to check names and numbers and the validity of memberships.
Those planning to attend the Tai Chi Community’s annual Christmas Dinner Dance at the Dupont Social Club in early December should book with Liam Kelly ASAP as places are going fast. Over fifty people have already booked their plates. A deposit of £5 secures. The cost of the Dinner Dance is £16 per person.
Members will be delighted to hear that our friend and leader of the Tai Chi Community in Gweedore, County Donegal, is making an excellent recovery from recent surgery. We look forward to working with him this year and of course spending quality time with him and out other Tai Chi friends in West Donegal during the springtime Tai Chi festival.
The Tai Chi Community welcomes those new members who have recently joined us. We hope that this ancient Chinese health promoting art form of Tai Chi brings them all the benefits they seek. We want new members to feel comfortable at our classes and become involved in what we do. No one should feel the slightest embarrassment when leaning the movements, as there is no competitive element to our classes. It is not permitted. People come here to feel relaxed, not stressed. Also, be assured that people’s personal details or lives is not the concern of anyone and such information will not be disclosed on any account.
You can get the benefits from Tai Chi without straining. You don't have to memorise all the terms, or do the movements exactly like your instructor does, or read certain books. Tai Chi's amazing benefits Will come to you by simply breathing deeply, relaxing your mind and playing Tai Chi in class and at home each day.
Students often concentrate on remembering each detail the instructor tells them; some even bring a note pad and pen to class. Don't do that. Do not worry if your progress is slow. Relax. The best Tai Chi players are those who take along time in learning. Good instructors will repeat important things over and over. Let yourself enjoy the class. Don't make Tai Chi another 'serious' thing in your life.
Those of us who regularly practice Tai Chi will understand more than most that the Tai Chi forms need constant and persistent correction. The subtlety of Tai Chi is such that a small error in the beginning will take you a long way from your final goal. Tai Chi demands attention to the smallest details in order for the student to understand its meaning and purpose.
Many students in the West attend TC class because it is the trendy thing to do. Because they do not explore the spiritual side of the art they do not concentrate and continue to repeat small errors. Perhaps , the lack of willpower, or a genuine desire to study, is the reason they do not appear to improve their form. This is sad because if a person gives up their time to come to a class and are not interested in exploring this wondrous art form and its benefits they miss out on so much. A student should always try to study their form sincerely and ask themselves honestly 'have I developed? Or am I just going through the routines?’
This is sad because if a person gives up their time to come to a class and are not interested in exploring this wondrous art form and its benefits they miss out on so much. A student should always try to study their form sincerely and ask themselves honestly 'have I developed? Or am I just going through the routines?’
For the more committed student there are 12 common mistakes that they should be on the lookout for:-
1. Dropping the head.
2. Bending the neck
3. Lifting or tensing the shoulders.
4. Protruding the elbows.
5. Hunching the back.
6. Crouching.
7. Forced extension of the stomach.
8. Lifting the buttocks.
9. Not tucking the hips.
10. Tightening the coccyx.
11. Locking the knees.
12. Incorrect foot positioning.
Each Tai Chi and Qigong exercise has a variety of options for 'Mental Focus', namely, a Basic focus, Intermediate focus and Advanced focus aimed at maximizing the effect of the exercises. You can of course practise without incorporating this and still gain benefits although these will be less profound.
The Dungiven Tai Chi Community, which was set up and organised a few years ago by Danny and Anthony, continues its successful development. Classes take place every Thursday and are so popular that a waiting list had to be introduced. The enthusiasm of the TC players in Dungiven is very gratifying indeed. Well done.
It is very important that Tai Chi should not be confined to the city area alone and we happy that we have our own competent Instructors who live In the rural area, and unselfishly share their knowledge in their local communities. The group have recently received a supply of their own TC T-shirts which they are very proud of.
You can have thirty different people in a Tai Chi class doing the form and you will see thirty different styles of movement and ways of doing it. This is because as human beings we all move differently. Do not let this concern you too much and while always striving for perfection in movement be contented with where you are and try to evolve to higher levels.
You should not compare your self to other students in class. Some will be more flexible, some will be less flexible, and none of that matters at all. Be happy with yourself and learn at your own pace. Sometimes learning the form can be frustrating and this is not uncommon. Use the breathing techniques to relieve such emotions which should be only temporary anyway.
Our thoughts direct the movement of energy around 'he body and when it does .his energy (Chi) moves there without any effort on our part. Closing our eyes allows us to experience this within ourselves. Once you understand and appreciate his sit back and enjoy the experiences.
