Grandmaster So is offering a Taoist Energy and Rejuvenation Workshop on August 18 in Wimberly, Texas. Please see the “Events” page for more details.

Roundness has a special meaning in Chinese culture. By its precepts, you gain more energy by surrounding yourself with, and even eating, round things, such as oranges and maybe even an occasional McDonald’s hamburger.

Tai Chi movement is slow and circular. Think of the motion of thread being pulled from a cocoon. Even when you are pulling straight, there is till a revolving movement. Think of this when you perform Tai Chi. The roundness of the movement, called silk reeling, develops a powerful spiritual chi called Chin.

When performing Tai Chi, visualize the Dragon. When you see a Dragon, it brings to mind the qualities of wisdom, power, and endurance.

A Dragon’s movements revolve, like silk threads being pulled from a cocoon. The movements, if done right, resolve into figure 8’s. This type of movement develops the muscles and balance on both sides of the body. As Tai Chi develops the body, it at the same time develops an inner strength and wisdom through awareness, outward flexibility, and internal power…like the Dragon, pulling silk from the cocoon.

Kung Fu and Chi Gong are worthy pursuits, but Tai Chi overcomes the handicaps that Kung Fu and Chi Gong possess, to offer the perfect, harmonious exercise.

Kung Fu movements are alternately fast and slow, developing the low frequency vibrations that stimulate the nervous system. Its priciple is “Within movement there is stillness.”

Chi Gong movements move at a slow, constant pace. The principle of Chi Gong is “Within stillness there is movement.”

Tai Chi incorporates both of these principles. Stillness creates movement and movement creates stillness. Tai Chi promotes continuous movement without stopping and starting. Thus Tai Chi, like Kung Fu, gives the benefit of low frequency vibration, and like Chi Gong, its movements are slow, boosting energy rather than using it up.

Because of this, Tai Chi is the perfect exercise, especially when practiced every day.

I am happy to announce that Tai Chi Interactive is now offering a blog space that will feature blogs from your editor, Joyce McDonald (me) and Grandmaster Yong So. We hope these offerings will add meaning to your life and help you to understand and perform Tai Chi, Chi Gong and Kung Fu successfully.