It was a hazy misty morning when I went out on my lanai this early morning. The temperature was warm. I had gone outside to observe the vast nature that is my backyard before attempting my Tai Chi meditative exercises. I’d been unable to do them outside because our temperatures had been a bit chilly. Our cold temperatures in Southern Florida in winter are 60’s during the day and 40’s in the morning and at night.
Now, our spring season has arrived.We’re experiencing temperatures in the mid 70’s in the morning. The warmer weather has brought a great many birds back to our estuary.
On this morning, the break of day showcased a bald eagle majestically flying overhead while a white egret waded in the water swallowing small fish.
The bird feeders I’ve strategically placed on my spring blossoming orchid tree are starting to attract red cardinals, hummingbirds and scrub jays. I can hear tiny chirping from baby birds in the holly berry bush I planted several years ago. They’re waiting for their daily feeding from mama birds who’ve gone hunting. These are panoramic views and sounds that never disappoint nor do I tire hearing.
As the sun breaks through the mist, a shimmer blankets the water on the lake. It’s a hypnotically mesmerizing tranquil place of peace. It’s a time of quiet contemplation before the day ahead. I’m looking at my orchids that are still in bloom while others are forming buds for future blooms. Nature is slowly awakening with all of its’ beauty. I’m enraptured by the many blessings I have.
Today stretches before me waiting to be shaped into the creation I choose to sculpt deciding what shape and form it will be. It will be as unique as me. It is all up to me. I am going to make it a GREAT day. I hope you will, too, unless you have other plans.
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.
Inside the Mind of Isadora 