Note: This post was originally published elsewhere on April 26, 2024
Tomorrow is World Tai Chi and Qigong Day. This month also marks twenty years since I first began practicing taijiquan. To mark both of these occasions, I will be sharing some of the changes taijiquan has made in my life and the lessons I’ve learned.
Somatic Vocabulary
My taijiquan practice has greatly increased my somatic vocabulary. I have become keenly aware of my body both internally and externally. Internally, I am aware of my internal bodily sensations. I am also able to maintain awareness of things like breathing, alignment, and posture. Externally, my awareness of the bodies of others has increased so that I can modify variables like distance and movement to fit the situation. My interpersonal relationships have also improved.
Sensitivity
My taijiquan practice has greatly increased my sensory awareness. Being able to replicate the movements of an instructor has increased my ability to learn dance choreography. Developing my “listening” jin in practices like push-hands has greatly increased my ability to dance and move responsively with a partner. Cultivating the ability to quickly and decisively react to things below a conscious awareness in push-hands practice has also greatly increased my defensive driving abilities.
Physical Capabilities
My taijiquan practice has greatly increased my physical ability. My flexibility has been increased through years of practicing kicks and low postures; my coordination and balance have increased through years of jumps, kicks and strikes. My core has been strengthened and my hips loosened by years of spiral rotations. My dexterity and hand strength have been greatly increased through the practice of Sword (jian) and Sabre (dao) routines.
Personal Character
Finally, my taijiquan practice has greatly nurtured my personal character. An openness to correction has been cultivated through receiving corrections from my instructors and appreciating their knowledge as a gift. Performing routines with instructors and classmates has greatly increased my awareness, humility, and communication. Practicing applications has likewise cultivated my communication, awareness, humility, compassion, and trust. In making the choice to switch from the Taoist Tai Chi to Chen style Tai Chi I developed my self-trust, confidence, and courage. In deciding to learn the weapon forms of Chen style taijiquan I further developed my self-trust, confidence, courage, and resilience.
Conclusion
My taijiquan practice has been a source of great physical, emotional and spiritual maturation over the past twenty years. It has been a constant practice through two decades of changes and has often been a sole source of comfort through difficult times. My taijiquan practice has greatly improved my relationship with myself, my interpersonal relationship with others, and my relationship to the Divine. I look forward to practicing taijiquan throughout the rest of my life and sharing my passion for taijiquan and the lessons I’ve learned with others.
The Dreamers' Corner 