From the February 2019 edition of our Tai Chi Newsletter.
No class on Monday, February 4. We are closed this evening, due to frozen roads and nasty weather.
In the meantime, let me share a few ideas for developing your Tai Chi skills from the safety and comfort of your home. In fact, each of these methods can be used without even leaving your chair!
#1: Visualize the form while seated. Close your eyes, and watch yourself perform every movement in the Tai Chi form. Incorporate every detail you’ve learned in class; an average posture contains four distinct movements. Spend five to fifteen minutes on this exercise, however much you have learned and can remember.
Can’t recall all the movements yet? Try this instead…
#2: Teach the master. Watch the Fu Zhongwen video on the website. As he moves into each posture, announce the name of that posture aloud. This exercise will help you to associate the names with the movements.
Haven’t memorized the postures yet? No problem. This is your Monday homework assignment…
#3: Read, recite and repeat. Scan the chart on the website, then close your eyes and recite the posture names in order. At the point where you cannot remember the next posture, just open your eyes and read it.
Challenge yourself to learn two or three new posture names each day. If you perform this exercise daily, you are guaranteed to remember the entire Yang 85 form within six weeks! Anyone can do it.
I promise you that reciting the names this way, will help you to remember the associated movements in order, as you gradually continue to learn them in class.
There you have it. A seated practice method for everyone, from experts to absolute beginners! So grab a warm blanket, tuck yourself in, and take another step towards Tai Chi mastery.
—
Chris Marshall
Head Instructor
Shoreline Tai Chi