Move like bamboo

September 2nd, 2003 at 12:00am

Day 2 of the course. I am really enjoying this course. I can’t believe that more people don’t know about it! It is just so interesting to learn the postures and principles and theory together, and to realize how you can apply the concepts to everything in your daily life. The instructor, Keith, is so passionate about the material that you get inspired just from hearing him. What really appeals to me is that it reinforces so many things that I already feel strongly about, like using meditation to calm your mind, or eating raw foods which have more energy or ‘Chi’ in them.

It’s a lot of Tai Chi each day, 6 hours of class per day, and in between the sessions you are meant to practice on your own and read the course materials. Keith says we have to allow the body to be like bamboo. Bamboo bends and moves with the wind, whereas oak will snap and break.

‘In Chi Kung training, the first thing is to know what Chi is. If you do not know what Chi is, how will you be able to lead it? Once you know what Chi is and experience it, then your Yi (mind) will have something to lead. The next thing in Chi Kung training is knowing how your Yi communicates with your Chi. In Tai Chi Chi Kung society, it is commonly said that your Yi must ‘listen’ to your ‘Chi’ and understand it. Listen means to pay careful attention to what you sense and feel. The more you pay attention, the better you will be able to understand. When the Yi is strong, the Chi is strong, and when the Yi is weak, the Chi is weak.’

- The Essence of Tai Chi Chi Kung, Health and Martial Arts, Dr. Yang Jwing-Ming

Stuart and Instructor Keith in the practice area

Entry Filed under: Chiang Mai,North,Thailand