Someone was onto something when they said:-
"Never be afraid of dying, be very afraid of not living"
Does this mean we have to spend all of our time "partying" - which is often a transient state? Or, do we take positive actions which underpin our health on every level in a long term sustainable way. Living your life to the full means that you are truly living your life now, and for the future, by nourishing your body on every level.
We live in a society of high level stress, pressure and expectations on so many levels that it is no wonder that people can drop out of balance. We are constantly striving for success.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) defines "Physical, Social and Mental well-being as the benchmark for defining the health of an individual."
The criteria laid down by the WHO are met by the practice of Tai Chi which addresses:-
- Body (Physical) – the combined external and internal training techniques strengthen the overall condition of the body increasing the levels of all functions.
- Spirit (Social) – the classes are very interactive and students enjoy the contact with fellow participants. Practising the "form" with others produces a deep-level of calm and connection with other humans.
- Mind (Mental) – The levels of concentration needed keeps the Mind alert and sharp.
On a weekly basis we have taught 16 - 100 year olds in Beginners, Intermediate and Advanced classes, Sheltered Housing schemes, Day Care Centres and Residential Homes where the fully-active to the chair-based elderly participate and benefit from this wide-ranging form of exercise. It contains physical movements, breathing and meditative exercises alongside interaction with other human beings.
Indeed, Tai Chi is for anyone. It adds enormously to life by promoting physical health but also offering a reference point to anchor life to, no matter what is thrown at you, and it can offer an emotional "framework" which helps to makes sense of life's intricacies. It also helps rediscover a deep sense of humour whilst looking at life's challenges.
—Sifu Steve