The conception of this Post has its beginning in 2008 when I was deciding to write a Manual on walking. In this book (MANUAL FOR WALKING, READING, WRITING AND DRAWING) I expressed: “It was on this occasion when, after having walked about 1 mile, I made a relationship between the technique of transcendental meditation, Tai Chi, Yoga and my walking exercises, because when I walk I invariably carry with me a book, which I read as I walk; and I also carry with me some small sheets (28×33 cm. office size sheets cut in ¼) that while I walk, I also carry with me some small sheets of paper (11×13 in. sheets cut in ¼) that, as I do this exercise daily, I can make progress in my reading and writing”.
Meditation is very similar or almost equivalent to the concentration I do on my walks (Post WALKING, MEDITATION AND CEREBRAL WAVES; Post DYNAMIC OR ACTIVE MEDITATION), either through reading or writing about a topic I am developing. On the other hand, Tai Chi is similar to the principles of the WALK-RWD system (Post THE FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES OF THE WALK-RWD SYSTEM) and equivalent to my own walking exercises. Of course -I said to myself-, I will have to review the philosophy of Tai Chi and go deeper into transcendental meditation to know these techniques better and to be able to relate them satisfactorily with the new system I was creating; so when I decided to write the Manual, I started to document myself better about these systems to know their outstanding aspects, which I organized independently, for a better use and analysis. This same functional model I used to investigate the Yoga system (Future Posts THE WALK IN YOGAKARA; THE WALK-RWD SYSTEM AND YOGA KUNDALINI).
I have mentioned during the last 5 years, through this Blog, that the stable imbalance generates stimulations to various organs, systems and glands of the body, and fundamentally to the brain (Post THE WALK-RWD SYSTEM ENCOURAGES CREATIVE THINKING, PART I). The most evident part of this stable imbalance can be seen in the fact that the organism itself generates a hundred substances that are essential for its correct functioning (Post THE WALK-RWD SYSTEM AND THE SELF-PRODUCTION OF ORGANIC SUBSTANCES), apart from the fact that there is sufficient evidence that it boosts creativity and other specific benefits (good digestion, better breathing and circulation, improves memory, and a long etcetera). The functional and essential axis of the WALK-RWD system is the process that is achieved by reading, writing and drawing, while walking, by placing the body in a permanent stable imbalance.
This stable imbalance is also observed in the Yoga system as well as in the Tai Chi system, although I consider that in the latter the functional development (process, transformation, evolution, transit) is more profound, and therefore stimulates the physical body and the mind in a more efficient way. This increase in its power – and efficiency – is achieved because in Tai Chi the number of postures in stable imbalance are performed in 100% of them, while in Yoga only 75%; moreover, in Tai Chi, the transit and transfer from one figure (posture) to another is developed through dynamic chaining, that is, through evolutions in movement, in a continuous fluidity, and this is what gives it greater efficiency.
Just as the WALK-RWD system is developed in a gentle way, just as we walk naturally, Tai Chi is performed respecting its essential principle, which is tranquility. All its sequences are also performed in a relaxed and loose way. Both WALK-RWD and TAI CHI take place in movement and in a fluid way.
Naturalness, softness and flexibility are characteristics of both systems, which enable their practitioners to achieve meditation and personal introspection. Both physical and mental concentration can be achieved (Future Post WALK OR RUN, THERE IS A DILEMMA).
The practice of both systems is achieved through the cultivation of breathing, physical and mental relaxation, without the obligation to perform exercises with great efforts, nor high speeds, nor accelerations, and less efforts that force the stiffness of the musculature, legs, arms, or some other members of the body.
Each sequence (or Form) of Tai Chi is composed of a number of steps or figures, which are developed in a continuous and fluid way, that is to say, with constant displacements and translations. The Tai Chi practitioner advances from one figure to the next by means of certain movements that place him in the next one; and so on, permanently and successively until the sequence is completed.
The strength of Tai Chi, both physical and directed towards the mind, is located in these two great aspects of the laws of movement: in the figures (positions of the body in stable imbalance) and in the transition from one to another of these postures.
Let us analyze the “postures” of Tai Chi in a generic way in order to corroborate the above-mentioned.
We said that these postures are based on a stable imbalance, where the body and mind seek to remain in balance, and this is what stimulates both the physical body and the brain.
To analyze the instability of the “postures” and “figures” of Tai Chi is easy, up to a certain point; not so for the moving developments of the transition from one position to the next, even if they are predefined, and are performed slowly and calmly. However, the very movement between the different figures involves an instability of the physical body, which does not need to be demonstrated. The axiomatic or self-evident basis of kinematics is: a body is in disequilibrium when it is in motion by itself or because of another body.
The body as a whole is analyzed during the whole translation that it undergoes from one figure to another, and in all this transit the movements that the extremities carry out, the arms-feet and the legs-hands, stand out, which is one of the fundamental aspects that generate an increase in the stimulation of the body and the mind. “Execution – movement – of the sequences from one form (posture) to another”.
Note that Tai Chi sequences are rhythmic processes in cadence and with rhythm. Much of this I have analyzed in the exercise of walking, as it also contains these elements and components of “musicalization” (Posts RHYTHM, COMPASS AND CADENCE IN OUR WALKING; THE SILENT SOUND OF OUR FOOTPRINTS, HEALS US; Future Posts ENJOYING OUR PERCUSSIVE MUSICAL WALKING; THE PERSONALITY DEFINED BY THE RHYTHM WHEN WALKING).
In both activities -WALK-RWD and TAI CHI- we can observe that combination (rhythm) of times between one physical movement and another, in such a way that we observe harmony. In both walking and Tai Chi we observe pauses and accentuations in the movements, which harmonically result in a successive cadence. Speed and acceleration are also factors found in both systems, which show us the constant structuring of a beat, both in the various movements of walking and in the figures of Tai Chi, in the same sequence.
Another common element between these two systems is the principle of verticality which is recommended in both (Principle No. 4 of the WALK-RWD System).
I could even say that the cadenced rhythm of Tai Chi could be an analogy with poetry. With this I do not intend to idealize Tai Chi artistically, but we can homologate a sequence with a poem, a simile between both creations – one philosophical-motor and the other artistic – because undoubtedly that cadence of Tai Chi carries intrinsically spiritual elements – just like poetry – and so we can re-evaluate it in terms of the stimulation it generates in the mind, which is what I intend to make relevant.
I have practiced Tai chi very lightly in two periods of my life: in 1983 – for 6 weeks, once a week – and in 2023 – for 8 weeks, once a week – and only in teaching-learning rooms, but never at home or elsewhere; what I want to emphasize is that I am not an expert in this system.
However, it was enough to make me realize the benefits of developing its phases of: MOVEMENT + VERTICALITY + CONCENTRATION + RELAXATION + BREATHING.
– MOVEMENT
– VERTICALITY
– CONCENTRATION
– RELAXATION
– BREATHING.
Every movement we perform must be done with Balance and Coordination of all the parts and limbs of the body. Tai Chi is designed to maintain this balance and coordination. In other words, the forms and poses we take in movement – even in a state of rest – must be in accordance with the natural movement of the physical body.
Tai Chi is a holistic discipline, and has been called the “Art of Relaxation and Meditation in Movement”: ARMM. In general, it does not have unnatural poses like Yoga, such as head down.
During the constant practice of Tai Chi you can develop and manifest yourself effectively. The benefits that are achieved I have organized into 3 categories, namely:
Physical Benefits:
– Improved Flexibility: The slow, flowing movements of Tai Chi help to increase the flexibility of joints and muscles, which helps to maintain a greater range of motion.
– Muscle Strengthening: Although the movements are gentle, Tai Chi involves several muscle groups, which gradually helps to strengthen the overall body.
– Balance and Coordination: Consistent practice of Tai Chi improves coordination and balance, reducing the risk of falls, especially in older people.
– Improved Posture: The principles of alignment in Tai Chi promote better posture, which can help alleviate back pain and prevent postural problems.
– Muscle Relaxation: The slow movements and focus on deep breathing promote muscle relaxation and reduce accumulated tension.
– Cardiovascular Improvement: Although Tai Chi is low intensity, regular practice can improve blood circulation and overall cardiovascular health.
Mental Benefits:
– Stress Reduction: The combination of gentle movements and deep breathing helps reduce stress levels and promotes a sense of calm.
– Improved Focus: The mindfulness required during Tai Chi practice improves concentration and the ability to focus on other areas of life.
– Promotion of Mental Relaxation: The flowing movements and concentration on breathing help to relax the mind, reducing anxiety and mental agitation.
– Increased Body Awareness: Tai Chi encourages the mind-body connection, which increases awareness of the body’s sensations and movements.
– Cognitive Stimulation: Regular practice of Tai Chi can have a positive impact on cognitive function, such as memory and problem-solving ability.
Other Benefits:
– Longevity Promotion: Because Tai Chi is a low-impact activity that benefits both body and mind, it can contribute to a longer, healthier life.
– Mood Connection: For some practitioners, Tai Chi may have a mood component, i.e., it fosters connection with oneself and the universe.
– Encouraging Socialization: Tai Chi classes provide opportunities to interact with other practitioners, which can contribute to greater socialization and sense of community.
Uniquely, and therefore I have left it for this last part, Tai Chi supports Meditation, in several ways, as it shares principles and practices that align with meditative goals:
1. Mindfulness: As in meditation, Tai Chi emphasizes mindfulness in the present moment. During practice, you focus on your movements, breathing and body sensations, which encourages mindfulness similar to meditation.
2. Mindful Breathing: In both Tai Chi and meditation, mindful breathing is fundamental. In both practices, deep, rhythmic breathing calms the mind and helps to enter a state of relaxation and focus.
3. Mind-Body Connection: In both meditation and Tai Chi, a greater connection between mind and body is sought. In Tai Chi, movements are performed in a conscious and flowing manner, which promotes a synchronization between thoughts and actions, similar to the focus on the mind and sensations during meditation.
4. Reduced Mental Agitation: The consistent practice of Tai Chi can help calm mental agitation by requiring a constant focus on movements and breathing. This can lead to a calmer state of mind, similar to that sought in meditation.
5. Deep Relaxation: Both Tai Chi and meditation seek to induce a state of deep relaxation. The smooth, flowing movements of Tai Chi combined with deep breathing have a relaxing effect on the nervous system, which is beneficial for meditation.
6. Stimulation of Sensory Awareness: During the practice of Tai Chi, attention is paid to body sensations, posture and balance. This encourages sensory awareness similar to meditation, where attention is paid to physical and mental sensations.
Tai Chi, like our WALK-RWD system, is an active form of meditation in movement. It is certainly not the traditional meditation that we are taught to be silent and in a state of rest, but shares elements of concentration, abstraction, relaxation with movement and thought, resulting in an effective way of achieving the same benefits for the mind and body.
