In Tai Ji, relaxation is not a procedure, but a result of practice. Relaxation involves aspects of mental state, physical condition, and the coordination of the mind, breath, and movement.
Here are some tips on practicing relaxation:
Relaxing the mind:
A simple and effective method to relax your mind is by focusing on your breath and taking deep breaths. When you concentrate on your breathing, your mind can’t wander to other thoughts. Deep and slow breathing can help alleviate anxiety and soothe your mind. One of the goals of Qigong in Tai Ji classes is to promote mental relaxation. You can discover more about Qigong and deep breathing techniques in the book “Qigong for Better Mind and Body Health” available on Amazon, or you can download the ebook to your electronic device from your preferred app.
Relaxing the body:
Shifting your body weight is a great method to help relax. By standing in a bow stance and gently moving your weight from your heels to your toes, you can stimulate acupuncture points in your feet. This not only aids in relaxing your body but also calms your mind. One of the main goals of the basic Tai Ji exercises in class is to assist you in relaxing your body. As you perform the exercises, pay attention to areas where you feel tension and make a conscious effort to relax those parts.
Relaxing in movements:
Concentrating solely on your movements can help soothe your mind. As a result, your breathing will become slower and deeper. To effectively focus on these movements, it’s essential to understand them. Thus, recalling what you’ve learned is crucial. This will aid in your concentration. Additionally, it’s vital to remain calm if you occasionally forget; just try to recall it next time. This serves as a chance to cultivate patience and persistence.