vitality. longevity. internal skill
authentic chen style tai chi
taijiquan
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Tai Chi, also Taijiquan, is a holistic and integrative system for the cultivation of health, well-being, and longevity. Originating in China, and rooted in the ancient Taoist system of knowledge and wisdom, it is based on the principles of yin and yang.
Tai Chi contains a set of specific movements designed to develop and refine a more natural and relaxed state of moving and being. The movements are low impact, and conform to the natural bio-mechanics of the body. Key elements of Tai Chi include relaxation and sensitivity; development of intelligent strength; improving psychomotor control and postural alignment; harmonisation of movement with breath; and balance of body and mind. It incorporates physical, mental, and mindfulness elements in a single unified practice, making it a complete practice for body, mind and spirit. Relaxing yet invigorating, it leaves the practitioner feeling calm and balanced, yet energised, alert and powerful.
Taijiquan was originally developed as a highly effective martial art and can still be practiced as such, although in modern times it is mostly practiced for its health benefits.
qi gong
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Qi or Chi Gong roughly translates as working with life energy or vital force. As such it is a very broad term and includes a multitude of breath, energy and movement practices originating in China. Taijiquan is one of these, and may well be the most sophisticated and refined.
a personal perspective
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Taijiquan is many things to many people. In my own life, I would describe it as an inner journey to integrate and harmonise the mind, body and spirit. It is a deep and profound exploration of the human condition.
My journey in Tai Chi has felt more like a process of discovery than one of learning in the usual sense. It's as if the principles of Tai Chi are already in my body, lying dormant and waiting to be uncovered. As such, it is as much a process of unlearning as learning. Letting go of tension, holding, rigidity; both physical and mental, so that the principles can start to express themselves.
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This is why Taijiquan is at the same time so uniquely challenging and rewarding. It is easy to graft some new knowledge on top of one's existing psychosomatic structure. But much more challenging is to change in a fundamental way the relationship between the body and the mind.
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The rewards are great as well though. Old unconscious patterns of movement and behaviour will slowly be changed. A person will become more supple and responsive, less rigid and re-active; physically, mentally, and emotionally. Breaking out of habitual patterns and discovering new ways of being.
​As a system Tai Chi beautifully elegant and wonderfully simple, yet extremely challenging. The further I travel, the simpler it feels, and the more unified I feel. Looking back along the path it all seems rather obvious, and I cannot remember how I could ever not have 'got' it. That is the beauty of learning it; that I am bringing myself back to a place that feels so natural, right, and easy that I cannot imagine ever having not been there.
Trying to understand is like straining through muddy water. Have the patience to wait! Be still and allow the mud to settle
- Laozi
A good traveller has no fixed plans, and is not intent on arriving
- Laozi
an offering to the Google gods
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Boundless Sky offers Tai Chi classes in Canggu and Ubud, Bali. Learning Tai Chi can be a great way for people in Bali, especially in Canggu or Ubud, to get stronger, fitter and more flexible. Bali Tai Chi lessons can improve balance, posture, and coordination, as well as reducing stress and increasing mindfulness for anybody who lives in and around Canggu and Ubud.
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Canggu and Ubud are different areas of Bali, Indonesia.. They are both in southern Bali and are very easy to access. Practicing Tai Chi in Bali can be a great way to improve health and wellness, and in Canggu and Ubud Taijiquan fits perfectly with the health and wellness ethos of these areas.
Boundless Sky also offers Osho active meditation classes in Bali, especially in Canggu. Osho developed his active meditation methodology to help modern people experience the meditative state of mindfulness more quickly and easily. Tai Chi works in a similar way, utilising the feelings of to the body to enable an easier path to meditation. So active meditation and Tai Chi are two examples of embodied mindfulness practices and are integrative wellness systems. They help to integrate and unify the mind and body, and bring us back to a state of balance and harmony with ourselves and the world around us.
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For anyone who is interested, the best thing to do it to try a meditation or Tai Chi gathering in Canggu, Ubud, or Pererenan, whichever is closer. This is because Tai Chi and active meditation sessions are experiential rather than intellectual and so cannot be approached through the mind. The Tai Chi and meditation classes are suitable for all and can contribute to a healthier and happier life.