Sung Taiji Qigong
Monday 6th February 2012 - 01: 37: PM
Our experiences
"After a lay off of several weeks, coming back to class today was like coming back to an old friend." Kevin CIP
"Although only practicing Taiji and Qigong for a few months so far, I have found that I have become a lot calmer and less agitated by things generally". Julie TG
"The new Short Form manual is an easy, practical read having no lengthy historical Taiji/Daoism passages and the form move explanations are easy to follow". Jemma CIP
"I have just realised that my flexibility has improved considerably and this seems to have crept on me. I have gone from rather rigid movements, into postures, to what may be described as feeling like a rubber band. Things now feel easier and more comfortable". Trudy CIP
"Some benefits are gained from the more visual aspect of Taiji; that is, the various forms produce moderate - if sometimes challenging - movement that raises metabolism, creates bodily awareness, relieves physical tension and enhances the flow of Qi and other bodily substances to benefit the internal organs and other physical systems such as respiratory. The usually slow, gentle movement has a significant additional advantage being a very low possibility of injury. What you see is not all that you get with Taiji though. To the newcomer or onlooker at least, there is a less obvious benefit and this is the effect Taiji can have on the mind. The mind is a fine instrument. With it we recall past experiences and plan ahead; all part of our living existence. But just like our physical body the mind can suffer from over-use. It is well recognised that modern society and culture, fuelled by information at every turn, can cause us to live our lives through the mind. We can become addicted to thinking and this is excessively dedicated to past events (history) and future possibilities (dreams) that have little or no bearing on our present reality. It might be said we live our lives in our heads. This is prevalent to the degree we think it normal. Such incessant thinking will include a large portion of fear in the form of worry, stress, anger etc. This often sets off the psychosomatic process that leads to disease. There would seem therefore, to be some benefit in calming the mind, to give what might perhaps be called a "psychological holiday". Taiji can help us here. Imagine your life existence as a long horizontal line upon which events are coming or gone. On this line but intersecting it, is a vertical line. This vertical line can be called the present moment; that is the "Now". Our lives unfold only in this present moment but, what gives us the perception of otherwise? It is the mind projecting itself back and fore on the horizontal line and often excessively so. To perform Taiji well and gain the benefits requires good focus. This is achieved by reconnecting the mind with the body as we manoeuvre to achieve successful and continuous postures. It follows that, whilst doing this, all other thoughts must be put aside - thoughts of past and future. When we achieve this we find ourselves in the present moment; the "Now". Here the mind becomes calm and clear. Mental and physical relaxation sets in yet we are aware. We can continue our existence refreshed and able and when we lose those qualities we can start the process again and again. Done often enough gradual accumulation may start to influence our very nature and spill over into our everyday existence where we benefit from a calmer, clearer - some say more conscious - mind for prolonged periods." Nigel
"Taiji and Qigong are great for developing patience". Alan CIP
"The Taiji Form Improvers workshop (February 2010) gave me a good and enjoyable opportunity to take my form to a deeper level and also provided a good workout. I sensed a very strong energy when leading the group on the form at the conclusion of the workshop". Sue CIP
"Some people say they can't do Taiji because they find it difficult to relax and focus, lack a sense of balance or co-ordination or even have no patience. This misses the important point that the learning of Taiji is to gain whatever skills are lacking. These skills do not have to be in place before starting Taiji". Nigel
"I find that by the end of class I am always relaxed yet energised and this even if I entered the class feeling tired.". Jayne CIP
"I have had knee trouble for a number of years now and this has had a limiting effect on what I can or can't do. Vigorous and strenuous exercise is now only manageable very occasionally. But I find that, not only can I do Tai Chi comfortably and as much as I want, it is also having a beneficial effect on my knees for flexibility and overall manouevrability". Alan CIP
"The regular practice of Tai Chi and Qigong has improved my sleep. From averaging 2 hours then wake up! - then restlessness, I now find that I enjoy a few extra and welcome hours of sleep each night". Marilyn CIP
"I thought yesterday (Five Animals 10 May 2009) was one of the best sessions I have been to. The shorter time and smaller number worked better for me. Familiarity with the moves made it more enjoyable and there was a definite buzz. For the first time I got the "invisible ball" between the palms of my hands whilst doing the Gathering Internal and External Energy Qigong. I felt relaxed and good for the rest of the day". Neil HMRC Class
"Tai Chi has been transforming for me as it has improved my circulation dramatically. My legs, especially my feet, positively hum after practice. I thoroughly enjoy the sensations created by the practice. There's none of the 'No Pain, No Gain'. I find it, and the Qigong exercises, surprisingly enjoyable. To me it doesn't look that exciting, but it is exciting to experience. I recommend giving it a go". Willa CIP class
"An oasis of calm to help prepare for the demands of the week, both within and out of the workplace". Joan HMRC class
"Tai Chi is one of the few places I can just stop and be". Sue P at CIP
"Taiji has improved my awareness of posture and comfortable limits helping me, in turn, to manage better a prolapsed disc condition". Nigel
"It is not always easy to know how Taiji and Qigong may be benefiting us especially if we are newcomers. This is the way of Taiji and Qigong and not a fault of ours. A useful approach here then is to do it, believe it (have faith) and later understand it". Nigel