Tai Chi Life E


veryone can feel relaxed when prac- ticing our favorite Tai Chi Chuan form or Yoga posture. From beginners to


advanced practitioners, we're con- stantly reminded to relax, re-position, stretch and get comfortable in the various postures and movements. Thereis no better environment to build this awareness than class, but it will never truly enrich our lives if we don't take it out of class and into the real world. Application of Tai Chi Chuan


goes far beyond simply martial and combative concepts. The jewel of the practice is its ability to heal, balance, relax, and guide those who need it to lead a more fruitful life. How do we apply Tai Chi Chuan to


living a better life physically, mentally and spiritually? The vague answer is to balance our-


selves by relaxing. What does this truly mean? This leads us to three tips: 1. Find the point of balance 2. Refine your practice 3. Find a way to relax in any situation


Balance. Finding the balance point of


our lives is something that requires persis- tent practice and consistent learning. Teaching ourselves to be strong but not rude, kind but not weak, fast but not hur- ried, dedicated but not obsessed, a father/ mother. All these things are important and must be consistently measured within ourselves. This is the essence of Tai Chi Chuan—seeking and practicing the bal- ance of yin and yang. This is the first step. Psychologically we must establish clear personal boundaries before we take steps toward balance. We cannot find a balance point if there is no clear distinction between right and wrong, too much or not enough.


Refinement. We must refine our


physical practice to the point that it is not noticeable to the naked eye, but still felt. In the mind, it is the same: we must refine our actions based on our personal bound- aries without boasting about our 'morals' or imposing them on others. In the physi-


cal practice, you should be able to walk into any situation and practice the prin- ciples without anyone batting an eye.


Relax. One way to say this is relax in


any situation, but more importantly, seek the most relaxed way to handle situations. There is a saying in the Tai Chi classics, "Deflect 10,000 lbs of force with only 4 oz." This is a great way of saying we can do a lot with a little. The flip side to this is "How much is


too much"? Ask yourself this question frequently. For example if you are working in a group and want something done, the Tai Chi way is lead by example. It is far easier to motivate others when you are


As you practice the three steps of bal-


ance, refine, relax, remember this is not a finite practice but rather one that evolves as you evolve. Make it your own and allow it to grow as you do.


Daniel Hyde, LMBT is a massage therapist and Instructor of Tai Chi & Chi Kung at A to Zen Massage as well as a Veteran of the US Marine Corps. For more information on Dan's classes please visit www.AtoZen- Massage.com. See ad on page 17.


doing it yourself. Set the example and provide support when needed. Many will follow you if your achievements can be seen in your confident relaxation. With 4 oz you can easily nudge them along be- cause your actions speak louder than your words.


When relaxed in your body it is easi- er for the mind to relax. Asking yourself "how much is too much?" not only applies to public relations but movement and posture as well. Wherever you are stand- ing, sitting or doing whatever, take note of the tension in the body and feel if you are using too much tension to hold that posi- tion or do that thing. Eventually you will find a way to stay the most relaxed regard- less of any situation.


Bose Ravenel, MD Dr. Bose Ravenel is a pediatrician


with a total of 31 years’ experience in private pediatric practice and 11 years in academic pediatrics. He of- fers an integrative and functional medicine approach to ADD/ADHD and other chronic health problems. Well known and highly respected


www.RobinhoodIntegrativeHealth.com Bose Ravenel, MD


in clinical and academic circles, we are honored to have him join our practice.


336.768.3335 JUNE 2017 37


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