| | |  | This is the Conversation Forum for Relaxation Techniques
<< um, the prayer
Incense >> | |
| | | Subject: Tai Chi, Chi Kung and meditation
Posted Mar 13, 2003 by MaW
| | Posting
1
 | | I find all these three things very useful for relaxation.
Tai Chi, an internal martial art, requires relaxation in order to be effective even in a non-martial situation (i.e. when you're studying it simply for health benefits), therefore in order to learn Tai Chi properly I have had to learn how to relax - something I'm sure many people have found isn't really all that easy. Tai Chi itself isn't really a relaxation system though, it's more something to do after you're relaxed, to relax you further and calm the mind, as it is a form of meditation if done in the right way.
Chi Kung is energy and breathing exercises, and because of the repetitive nature of Chi Kung exercises, they can be great for relaxation. Unfortunately, if you don't relax while doing them, they start to hurt a lot sooner than they should...
So then we come to meditation, which I'm sure people are familiar with. It's simple and can be extremely effective, and is very, very useful for calming the mind more than the body - which is particularly good when dealing with exams, stressful working environments and so forth.
As to how to meditate - well, I've seen several different ways described and I'm not really sure what I do, so I'll leave it to someone else to describe if they wish - unless, that is, everyone already knows!
|
| | | Subject: Tai Chi, Chi Kung and meditation
Posted Mar 17, 2003 by Big Craig
This is a reply to this Posting
| | Posting
4
 | | Meditation is really like Tai Chi in that to do it well, you have to know what you are doing. Considering myself a semi-Buddhist, that is, I study Buddhism, which is melded in with my Roman Catholic upbringing, I will usually light a few candles, maybe some incense(if i feel like it) and absolute silence. Unless you are a gymnast, don't try the full lotus position. I find that just focusing on your breathing, without counting is invaluable. Of course, it takes time. For a more in-depth explanation, you can find it on some site.
|
| | | Subject: Tai Chi, Chi Kung and meditation
Posted Mar 20, 2003 by Big Craig
This is a reply to this Posting
| | Posting
6
| | Just for those who don't feel like going out and buying incense and the like(such as me), do what I do. There are several websites that sell this type of, umm, stuff. I personally prefer TibetanSpirit.com and Dharmashop.com as well. Both sites offer many different types of incense from Tibet, India and Japan. I tend to use the Tibetan Sandalwood and Jasmine from TibetanSpirit.com along with a holder i got there. Both sites offer holders as well. Dharmashop.com also affers a variety of candles and both sites have other accesories for whatever. If you don't like these sites, remember, there are many others that have the same products. Enjoy
-Craig 
|
| | | Subject: Tai Chi, Chi Kung and meditation
Posted Apr 5, 2003 by Barneys Bucksaws
This is a reply to this Posting
| | Posting
7
| | My Tai Chi instructor told us from the beginning it was a relaxing exercies, Walking Meditation. We didn't believe it at first. All our concentration had to be on what move was next. Once you learn the 108 Great Moves, meditation can begin. The moves flow one into the next, you suddenly discover you're breathing calms. You're very aware of your limbs and what they are doing, in everything you do, not just in the set. Colours tipped me off that I was progressing. I suddenly became aware of all the colours around me, noticing minute detail of my surroundings I hadn't noticed before. Warm ups then 2 sets, and the world can bring on what it may, I'm ready for it!
|
|
|
   
Conversation list
|
