tai chi

Water Element in Nature

✍️Wendy Brown, Lic. Ac.

Shuǐ 水

We are microcosms of the natural world, unfolding our human destiny on a beautiful blue planet where a mosaic of water nourishes and patterns life.

Attuned to nature’s rhythms and vibrations, in essence, we are one and the same.

Though this world seems stable and solid, nothing here is permanent; but like water, snow, and ice, life is always shifting and taking form.

Winter is the time of energy storage and of hibernation. Through resonance of water in its contracted state, very subtle patterns can emerge to be sensed in this phase of inward vision.

Ever-remembering that in a great storm the wise bird returns to her nest and waits patiently, surrendering to winter’s depths. Nature’s icy retreat instills hibernation and inner reflection.

The water element is expressed in the season of winter which carries information of recharging and renewing.

Reverently entering nature and observing the flow of streams, rivers, and waterfalls is, in itself, one of the natural remedies for a troubled mind. Water benefits the ten thousand things and yet does not compete with them. Water dwells in places the masses of people detest. People detest such places not because they are bad, but because they are unfamiliar; they are held back by fear of the unknown or thrust forward in fearful arrogance, in either manner not trusting in the Tao.

The emotion of fear ultimately causes difficulties. Learning to move gracefully around obstacles, like water does, is one of the aims of T’ai Chi.

The flow of Tao, wherever it may go, leads one to unusual places, but places meant to be visited by those who have devoted themselves to the Way.

Life is a dream and we can dream new dreams.

May all beneficent aspirations be fulfilled

Posted by Wendy in analytical

Understanding Qi and QiGong

We are part of nature and its cycles. If we go against natural cycles sickness results, so it is in our best interest to follow the way of nature. This is the meaning of Tao. This is an excellent video discourse and demonstration overviewing principles of Qi, Tao, Qigong, acupuncture and Chinese herbs. Cultivating understanding and practice in the way Qi flows, and knowing how to regulate it correctly, one should be able to live a healthy, long life.

Posted by Wendy in analytical
Living in the Tao

Living in the Tao

Reverently entering nature and observing the flow of streams, rivers, and waterfalls is, in itself, one of the natural remedies for a troubled mind. Water benefits the ten thousand things and yet does not compete with them. Water dwells in places the masses of people detest. People detest such places not because they are bad, but because they are unfamiliar; they are held back by fear of the unknown or thrust forward in fearful arrogance, in either manner not trusting in the Tao.

Photo by Marc Newland

Fear is the emotion that ultimately causes the most difficulties. Learning to move gracefully around obstacles, like water does, is one of the aims of practicing T’ai Qi. Joining the flow of Tao, wherever it may go, leads one to unusual places, but places meant to be visited by those who have devoted themselves to the Tao.

Each of us a different face of the same journey. Adapted from Spirit of Peace, by Subhuti Dharmananda.

Posted by Wendy in analytical

Moderate Daily Exercise

Rest and exercise should compliment one another. Rest with little physical exertion tends to be harmful to the body; long-term sitting being harmful to the muscles, and lying down for extended periods harms the Qi. It can be concluded that even with good diet and rest, but without physical exercise, the entire system is burdened.

Harmony is the essential characteristic of the Chinese philosophy of health. Everything from Heaven and Earth, to the seasons, to the five elements, to the human body, must remain harmonious with the Tao [Universal Qi] in order to maintain its existence. To preserve vital Qi we must learn to flow with the Tao and seek harmony and balance. In this way, moderation is key.

Choose suitable, individualized, daily physical exercise to reduce stress and the hazards of disease. It should be noted that lifting and bearing beyond one’s true strength harms to the body. Qi Gong, T’ai Chi, and yoga are excellent practices to promote healthy organ functioning, nervous system, and circulation among plentiful other benefits.

Posted by Wendy in analytical