Article Sphere Logo

Tai Chi for Spiritual Growth

By Expert Author: Conrad Raw | View Article Summary
Word Count: 406 words | Views: 109 view(s)
Conrad Raw

Tai Chi is known as a soft martial arts technique that emphasizes health, longevity and proper form above self-defense. Tai Chi originated in China but in recent years it has become popular around the world, particularly among older people looking for an exercise that is smooth and easy for them but that also contains a mental or spiritual aspect.

The idea behind Tai Chi is that you are working to balance two extremes, the yin and yang. It works to balance the flow of energy through the body, which can improve:

*Blood circulation
*Body heat retention
*Breath movement through the body
*Functioning of the lymph system

Tai Chi also focuses on relaxation through slow, repetitive movements rather than muscle contraction, which makes the exercise less stressful and more relaxing than other martial arts styles.

Many think of Tai Chi as a moving meditation because there is so much focus on making precise body movements, breathing steadily and seeking balance. The way Tai Chi is often practiced in Western countries the martial arts/self defense aspects are set aside for more emphasis on the health and meditative aspects.

Like yoga, Tai Chi is a practice that can lead you to spiritual growth, even if that is not what you were intending when you began the practice. Focusing inward to do the movements steadily and properly causes people to pay attention in a way they might not have for a long time previously. This can help open you up to spirituality and a deeper feeling of connection with the world around you (especially when Tai Chi is practiced in nature).

If you are looking for spiritual growth through practice of Tai Chi, mindfulness is the key. Pay attention to your breathing, to what parts of your body are moving and which are standing still as you go through the movements, and where your balance is coming from.

Move through the practice with thoughtfulness and grace, and visualize yourself becoming more in balance, both internally and with the world around you. Breathe in golden light and breathe it back out as your gift to the world.

Whatever reason brings you to Tai Chi, you will find many health and spiritual benefits. Some studies have show Tai Chi may help people lower cholesterol and improve cardiovascular and respiratory function. You may find you have more literal balance as well as more grounding and spiritual balance after just a few weeks of regular Tai Chi practice.
About the Author/Author Bio

Conrad Raw is an expert in practical techniques for personal and spiritual development. He is the author of "Forbidden Secrets Of Personal And Energetic Development." He travels the world to learn and teach and is the founder of Greater Human Potential, a website devoted to bringing you easy to learn techniques to increase your human evolution. Visit his website for a free newsletter filled with tons of great tips and advice.

Article Source: http://www.articlesphere.com/Article/Tai-Chi-for-Spiritual-Growth/122948

Article Submitted: 2008-01-25 | This Article has been viewed 109 times.

Comments on this Article


More "Martial Arts" Related Articles

 
 

Listed below are more articles related to the above article from the "Martial Arts" article category.

People interested in the above article "Tai Chi for Spiritual Growth" are also interested in the related articles listed below:

 
Upon hearing the word "karate", people often think of the physical aspects of this martial art. The kicks, punches, and other seemingly impossible moves of karate masters are just the surface of what is truly a martial art steeped in philosophy. For anyone who wants to get into karate, it would be advisable to understand some of the long history and deep philosophy that have helped to make karate what it is today. By understanding the philosophy and history of the defensive martial art known as karate, people will be better disposed to take advantage of the many physical and mental benefits that karate has to offer.
Muay Thai Boxing began thousands of years ago in Thailand to help the Siamese army as a way of combat against their enemies. Today, Muay Thai Boxing is a form of martial arts, although it looks grueling and devastating with the powerful kicks and fighting that appears to be going on in the ring, it is actually a very calming sport. Muay Thai Boxing is in fact used for anger management and self-control in many people.
What are considered the modern Olympics started in 1896, and fencing competitions have been an integral part of every Olympic Games since that time. Fencing will be just one of the great sports featured in the 2008 Summer Olympics when sports teams from around the world meet to compete in Beijing, China.
The guard has been a position utilized in Mixed Martial Arts competitions for a very long time. Although the origins of the position are the subject of much debate, the general consensus is that what we call the guard evolved from Japanese Jujitsu and Judo. Since the position was introduced to Brazilian fighters decades ago, the guard has become a very powerful weapon.
A successful fencer must possess a rather large variety of different items such as, an outstanding positive attitude and a whole lot of extreme patience. For the beginner, they will need a fencing mask, jacket, glove, and a practice weapon or fencing equipment. Fencing equipment may include an epee, saber, or a foil.
Sabre fencing is the fast-paced member of the sport of fencing most like old fashioned sword fighting in battlefield conditions. The saber is the "big daddy" in fencing equipment and the largest and heaviest weapon. It is a true sword with sides with an edge, unlike the epee and foil. Sabre fencing has a totally unique strategy and set of rules making it more challenging and yet more complicated at the same time. Side touches are allowed in this sport and the whole body above the waist is fair game, except for the back of the head, the hands and the wrists.
Some of the most thrilling performances on stage involve staged combat. For example, imagine Hamlet without the many battles that take place? Or Gilbert and Sullivan's Pirates of Penzance without the great swashbuckling of the pirates? Regardless of what type of performance, from comedy to tragedy, whether it be a play or a musical, there can be combat scenes involved.
 
Article Directory Home All Categories Recreation And Sports Martial Arts
 

Can't find what you're looking for? Try Google Search!
 
 
Copyright © 2005 - by Larry Lim, Singapore - Article Search Engine Directory at ArticleSphere.com™
All Rights Reserved Worldwide. All Trademarks and Servicemarks are the property of the respective owners.
French Spanish Bulgarian Chinese (Simplified) Chinese (Traditional) Croation Czech Danish Dutch Finnish German Greek Italian Japanese Korean Norwegian Polish Portuguese Romanian Russian Serbian Slovak Swedish Arabic Hebrew Hungarian Thai Turkish English US