Inside the Mind of Isadora

Nurturing Yourself – with Tai Chi

18 Comments

It’s been a year since I had my back surgery. It went well but healing has taken all this time. When your back isn’t aligned other joints are affected. Because of that, my knees weren’t behaving. My dancing career helped with those joint issues too. Everything is back to the way it should be for a senior. But, it’s only been 2 weeks. My mind was remembering the peaceful tai chi class I used to take. I went into my e-mails so I could contact my teacher. There in my inbox was her smiling face. I was elated. My first class will be tomorrow. I thought this type of exercise might be of interest to you. I reposted the Tai Chi nurturing I had written in 2014.

Hope you enjoy …. Isadora 🙏

The mind is everything … what you think you become … Buddah

Ni Hao – Hello ( Chinese )

Tai Chi is an ancient type of exercise similar to martial arts that has been practiced in China for centuries. The fluid slow movements make it safe and effective. If you simply incorporate this practice into your lifestyle it will be of great benefit to both mental and physical health.
Tai Chi is popular among senior citizens and those suffering from limitations that prevent them from doing other types of exercises. Some people find it to be easier than meditation for quieting their mind.

How does this ancient type of exercise prevent putting any strain on your body?

Tai Chi is a combination of elegant movements that are performed in a slow and flexible manner. They flow into each other. It looks like a well-choreographed slow motion dance. The movements are soft and fluid without jerking the body from one position to another.

A professional can give you lessons and advise on the movements and their pattern. The techniques are free flowing but there are a few guidelines that are important to keep in mind. Always keep your posture straight but your arms loose. It’s important to never apply force in any movement and to stay totally relaxed in order to refrain from putting any strain on the joints.

Many people are acquainted with the hand movements seen when Tai Chi is being performed in parks, at the beach or in gyms. The flowing movements help strengthen muscles. The quiet thoughtful concentration creates a calming effect that helps the body decrease tension, anxiety and stress. It can be performed alone or in a group. Apart from these benefits, Tai Chi works on your psychological level by improving concentration and focus to strengthen your mind.

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My Tai Chi Dance teacher – Sui

Each movement or posture carries defensive or offensive applications. In order to understand these applications it’s vital to grasp the awareness of the concept of Yin and Yang. Yin is the soft female principle and Yang is the masculine principle.

Tai Chi movements:
• releases tension and relaxes body


• it tones and strengthens muscles

• it improve respiration

• it helps increase emotional balance

• it improves balance

• it improves circulation

• Harmonize body and mind

What precautions ought I take before practicing?
Tai chi is mild enough for pretty much everybody. However, it is a sensible plan to talk with your doctor before making an attempt tai chi.

This is a professional video for those who wish to see the technique.

Tai Chi for Beginners, 8 Lessons with Dr Paul Lam – first lesson

I hope you’ll take time to find an exercise that helps you to become healthier both mentally and physically while creating a calming lifestyle in the process. Our bodies are our temples gifted to us from a greater creator who has gifted us with its care.
Zai Jiau – Good-Bye (Chinese )
Namaste …
Isadora 🙏

Namaste
I honor the place in you
in which the entire universe dwells.
I honor the place in you
which is of Love, and of Truth,
of Light and of Peace.
When you are in that place in you
and I am in that place in me.
We are One.

 

Becca from ‘On Dragonfly Wings with Buttercup Tea’ hosts Nurturing Thursday

to join in click here

Author: Inside the Mind of Isadora

Intriguing, sensitive, mysterious, loving, artistic and crackling with excitement for life is a pretty good description of who I am. I just retired from the world of art where I sold my Artfully Designed Handmade Jewelry for 28 years; although, art will always be a part of who I am no matter what venue I choose to express it in.

18 thoughts on “Nurturing Yourself – with Tai Chi

  1. Pingback: Nurt Thurs – Surround Yourself | "On Dragonfly Wings with Buttercup Tea"

  2. I loved tai chi when it was offered near me. Unfortunately, I cannot find another teacher. Thank you for sharing the good news, Issy. You are getting better and better every day! ❤

    Liked by 1 person

    • My teacher was away for a long time. I was still healing so I didn’t mind. It turns out she was teaching Tai Chi
      on the Holland America cruise lines world tour. 😊
      You can find You Tube videos with Tai Chi. Of course, it’s a lot more fun in a class environment. Have a super weekend, Becca. 🌈
      Issy 😎

      Liked by 1 person

  3. A great idea Issy – hope your back is soon feeling wonderful. We have a tai chi class here each week and I’ve not taken advantage of it but you’ve whet my interest!

    Liked by 1 person

    • Yes, my back is feeling really a lot better. My neurosurgeon did a great job. 😊
      You will love the class. The music is relaxing. The exercises are easier to do once you’ve learned them. You won’t have to go to a class once you learn them. But, I like the socializing too. I do tai chi on my lanai while listening to the birds. My teacher also teaches accupressure and qi gong. They’re all stress free exercises. Now, go take a class.
      Issy 😎

      Like

  4. I have learned a little tai chi through qigong. It is a great mind, spirt and body exercise.

    Liked by 1 person

  5. Thank you for sharing the links to Tai Chi Isadora. I’ve been struggling to sustain that inner tranquility I was previously able to reach with passive meditation. But perhaps incorporating more active movement will be beneficial.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Your welcome on the sharing, Gabe. Please take a class or watch the video. There are a great many on You Tube.
      My hubby takes the class too. He has PTSD and can’t meditate. He finds he can’t tone down that much. When
      he was in his 20’s he did Karate. this is a slower karate. Once you learn the routine or exercises you can do it on your own.
      I do Tai Chi on my lanai and listen to the birds and nature. Tai Chi is practiced ourdoors in China.
      I’d love to have you post your experience with it. Have a great Saturday …
      Isadora 😎

      Like

  6. Years ago I had a fusion done in my neck and several years later, surgery on my lower back. It took both surgeries a year to heal but once healed, the results were amazing. This excercise looks wonderful! All the best to you Isadora!

    Liked by 1 person

  7. This reminded me that I need to take advantage of free tai chi classes at a senior center about a mile from my house. I practiced it briefly many years ago with one of my daughters and I enjoyed it very much. It’s just what I need! Thanks for the timely reminder. Namaste…
    Love and hugs,
    Gayle

    Liked by 1 person

    • I’m pleased I gave you a gentle reminder. I like exercising of all types except weights. I know you’ll love it.
      The music is relaxing and peaceful. In China they do it everywhere. My teacher is in her 80’s. I thought she was 40. She’s a good example that it helps
      the body. She adds some qi gong and dance routines to the class too. She has another classs I’m considering on acupressure.
      I hope you take a class. XOXO Enjoy …. Issy 😎

      Like

      • I saw the photo of your teacher on your blog…she does not look near to be in her 80s! I will follow up with checking out the days and time of the classes. Always love to hear from you, Issy. xoxo :~)

        Liked by 1 person

  8. Cheers to finding your inner peace within a chaotic world.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Hello Frank,
      It’s because of the choas in the world that I try to enjoy anything that has a peaceful tone.
      I’m not up to intense exercises at a gym. This is slow, methodical and easy on the joints
      while strengthening the muscles for balance. Dancing does that too as well you know.
      Falls are the #1 cause of injuries for seniors. Hope you’ll go to You Tube and try Tai Chi.
      Isadora 😎

      Liked by 1 person

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