Tai Chi

[karohemd]

Just got back from my first class. It was interesting, good and I will definitely continue.
If one thing it showed me how much I lack in terms of balance, flexibility and coordination. When I concentrated on what my feet were supposed to be doing, I lost track of my hands and vice versa. At least I always faced in the right direction with my feet in the right order (which was the goal of the first lesson, anyway).

The class is run by the local branch of the Taoist Tai Chi Society of Great Britain who teach a certain form that focuses on the health rather than the martial arts aspects so exactly what I'm looking for.

Just to prove that the world is small, two of the more advanced pupils were Juliette from work (who I knew about as I got the flyer from her) and sion_a.

Back home, I've encountered a problem. To do the sequence of four moves we learned today, you need a space of about two meters around you. Which I don't have. My first thought was the bathroom as it's the only non-carpeted floor but on the second move already my right hand will touch one wall and my back foot the other. Moving into the next isn't possible, no matter which way I'm facing to start with. Due to too much crap, there isn't enough room in the main room, either. I need a new place!

Comments

[a1exxandra.livejournal.com]

or less stuff ;)
My mum did Tai Chi for ages and found it really beneficial for her blood pressure problems :)

[karohemd.livejournal.com]

There would just be enough space if I completely emptied the room...

Excellent.

[nina321.livejournal.com]

I lack balance. In Yoga today, we did a position called the scales. This involved wrapping your arms under your knees while sat on your bottom, then lifting your feet off the floor and stretching them in the air, so basically holding your legs in the air while balancing on your bottom. Most of the class managed it, while I rather embarrassingly rolled backward onto my head. Damn!

[xambrius.livejournal.com]

That's the same problem I had when I started. For me, the problem went away when I closed my eyes and just did it instead of keeping my eyes open to watch myself do it (Master Sbarge said that I'd had my first object lesson in experiential Taoism). As for the space problem: can't you just go outside?

--
Tim Harris
The Seeker
Time Lord

[karohemd.livejournal.com]

I need to try this. I actually found it easier to do at home (until I hit a wall) because I wasn't distracted by the people around me.

It wasnt't really nice last night, otherwise yes.

[davywavy.livejournal.com]

I can show you some non-foot moving postures and actions on friday if you like?

[karohemd.livejournal.com]

Thanks but I'd rather stay with what I'm doing at the moment as I just started. It would only confuse me.

[belak-krin.livejournal.com]

one of those things I've always thought about trying, being at a small college means a lack of uni society type stuff.

[karohemd.livejournal.com]

Have a look here (http://www.taoist-tai-chi-gb.org/ttcsgb/directory.htm) if there's anything near where you are.