Yi directs Qi

A few days ago one of my Tai Chi students told me that her concept and understanding of her energy has been changing through her experiences in class and what she has been learning. “I used to think that I have lots of energy or low energy but really didn’t feel it moving inside me or think about the quality of it. I think about my energy much more often now, reinforced by how I feel in our Tai Chi class, particularly when you ask us to feel the energy moving in our body before we relax after a move.”

With Tai Chi, the Yi (mind) directs the Qi (energy). We relax our minds and focus on one gentle movement at a time, which relaxes the body and puts us into the present moment. Our mind is paying attention to our body alignment, shifting our weight, turning from the hips and waist rather than the upper body.

With practice we tune into our own energy and learn how to relax, center and re-energize in a healthy way.

In the midst of the class I can feel the energy in the room shift. The to-dos, the decisions, the problems we might have had coming into the room are gone for now, for this moment.

Astute comment by the student and important learning. When we pay attention to the quality of our energy and take steps to improve the quality of what we have, our health will benefit. Ask yourself, what am I doing to enhance my energy? If that question is difficult to answer, take a step forward, now, for your energy, for your health.

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