Learning Tai Chi

Wanting to learn Tai Chi has been on my mind for quite some time. I remember attending to a Tai Chi class eight years ago ran by a friend of mine. Very soon I discovered that although I had romantic ideas about Tai chi, I was not ready for it. The slow movements almost drove me mad as I practised amongst a group of people most of whom were much older than me. After a few sessions I lost interest.

But I am ready now. Thanks to meditation, yoga and pilates which all started a couple of years ago and now have become parts of my life, these days I am able to feel quite comfortable just to be with myself, in stillness or in slow motion. Perhaps the word 'comfortable' is an understatement because I love these moments! I am no longer the active person who constantly had to be on the go and who only found satisfaction in doing fast exercises and having a good sweat. As I learn to train my mind to be quietened, I start to feel the connection with my inner self. I start to enjoy my company in those 'idle' moments. I have changed.

Recently I had an opportunity to learn a special type of Tai Chi - Maori Tai Chi. It was so cool even though I’ve only had one session so far. After the Tai Chi I immediately felt rejuvenated and reenergized. In this Tai Chi, a beautiful Maori music was played at the background with the teacher giving instructions as he demonstrated. Although I can’t remember the exact movements we were taught, I can however remember what each movement stood for. It went like this:

Inhale and exhale. Relax. Be receptive. Let go of all burdens and worries;

Give respect and worship to our ancestors;

Embrace our spirits;

Appreciate and connect to The Mother Earth;

Appreciate our muscular strength;

Appreciate our feminine wisdom;

Give love to the world; be of service;

Receive love from the world and show gratitude.

I noticed that Maori Tai Chi differs slightly from the Chinese Tai Chi in that Maori Tai Chi has an element of connection to spirit, ancestors and The Earth while Chinese Tai Chi is a manifestation of Tao philosophy in body movements and contains principles of yielding, softness, centeredness, slowness, balance, suppleness and rootedness. The combination of the two seems to make a perfect art that helps people feel better, think more clearly and become mentally stronger and calmer to deal with stress and problems.

No doubt it’s going to be a lot of fun ahead! :)