Paths to the Summit

During the week, people tend to leap out of bed the moment the alarm rings, jump into the shower and rush off to work — and all this while, their bodies are still technically ‘asleep’. This kind of routine places tremendous strain on heart and brain. Thirty minutes of early morning T’ai Chi or Yoga not only prevents such self-inflicted damage to the body, it also helps you to tackle the rest of the day in better ways.

There are a number of reasons never to miss a day of your practice. A certain continuity is necessary for progress. If a day is missed, there is a strong possibility that the mind will lose the thread of both what has been learnt in class and what has been worked on.

When an insight or breakthrough is imminent, it is important that the vehicle for its actualisation be available. Missing a day makes the next day harder and less efficient. When you are active, a certain momentum begins to build up. When you are inactive, a corresponding inertia prevails and becomes increasingly difficult to overcome.

As you practise, you will discover new details, experience new body feelings and become more integrated. Your mind will become calm, clear and focused inward. Your movements will take on a softer, smoother, more effortless quality, and you will begin to develop a T’ai Chi body. One day, you will be surprised by your skill. T’ai Chi is not the only way to the top of the mountain; so many practices are there to choose from. But for those who find T’ai Chi suits them, it is a good way to progress.

Source: Economic Times, 10/08/2018