Tai Chi
Tai Chi is a form of exercise for the body and mind. Its movements are based in martial arts, but unlike the action in Jackie Chan movies, Tai Chi is done slowly.
These smooth series of motions are designed to focus a person on correct movement, training the body and calming the mind—a sort of yoga and meditation rolled into one. The training improves strength, rhythm, and fine motor control, teaching practitioners balance in body and spirit, a true embodiment of the Tao philosophy of that dynamic duo, Yin and Yang.
Tai Chi is also influenced by the I Ching Book of Change, so it’s no fluke that this exercise sounds like Feng Shui for the human body. While Feng Shui contributes to physical and mental well-being through manipulation of one’s environment, Tai Chi is a manipulation of the self to direct and improve the circulation of chi (or vital force) through the body.
How can a martial arts-based exercise be responsible for a positive energy, you ask? By creating a good chi flow through the body, and by deflecting or diminishing negative or damaging energies (avoiding a kick or punch, and using the force of the attacker to disarm or disable him).
