On the Road to Recovery III- Meditation in Motion- Tai Chi..Exercise or Therapy? (Video Post inside)
BOTH
While in recovery, two times a week I report religiously to my Tai Chi class. I try to keep my schedule the same as much as I can.
My friend asks, “How am I able to do Tai Chi while on crutches?”
I explain, I sit in a chair and I focus on the breathing aspect and use this time as a meditation. Healing can be very stressful and at times even breathing becomes difficult. Taking the time during my recovery to breathe and meditate has helped to keep me in a positive state. I remind myself that this is temporary and soon I will be free. The Rehab is actually shorter in duration than the 4 years plus that I have been living in pain.
CHI or QI means Life Force. It is evoked by the intentful integration of body and mind.
Tai Chi Chaun or the Supreme Ultimate Fist is a mind-body practice. Tai Chi is considered a soft or internal form of martial art.
The breath, mind and movements are coordinated. The movements are usually circular and never forced, the muscles are relaxed rather than tensed, the joints are not fully extended or bent, and connective tissues are not stretched.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the combination of Yin and Yang creates a dynamic inner movement to move chi and blood flow to elicit a natural state of self-healing to help correct health imbalances.
The practice of Tai Chi as ‘meditative movement’ is expected to elicit functional balance internally for healing, stress neutralization, longevity, and personal tranquility.
The art has been associated with reduced stress, anxiety,depression and enhanced mood, in both healthy people and those with chronic conditions.
Tai chi can be easily adapted for anyone, from the most fit to people confined to wheelchairs or recovering from surgery.
“What about the form, how can you do that, “she asks?
I sit up tall in the chair and move my arms as if I were doing the form and in my mind I feel as though I am. When I complete the form I am relaxed and find that it is easier to breathe. I explain that if even for just that evening I have found inner peace and a feeling of serenity I will sleep better and wake up in a better and more positive state of mind to make it just a little bit easier to continue on my ‘Road to Recovery.’
This is ‘meditation in motion’!
Tai Chi Classes are taught at Kung Fu Connection Tuesday and Thursday nights @ 8pm
DO WHAT YOU CAN WHILE YOU CAN’T DO!
GO for Life! 
In peace, health & with much love,
Joycelyn Bejar
Certified Fitness Nutrition Specialist
Certified Personal Trainer