Breathing: Part of Something Larger

The Earth and our bodies are a constantly flowing life cycle. Our hearts beating, our lungs filling with and releasing air, and constant motion are vital to our well being.

T’ai Chi Workshop with David-Dorian Ross

Recently I was invited to attend a workshop led by David-Dorian Ross, aka “Dr. Tai Chi.” You know him, he’s the guy who stars in the Gaiam Tai Chi DVDs that are for sale at Whole Foods and New Seasons. David-Dorian is a seven-time US national gold medal winner in T’ai Chi performance, a two time World bronze medalist and World silver medalist. He has won more international honors in T’ai Chi performance competition than any American in history. He’s also a really nice guy!

The workshop was hosted by Kimm Mahoney-Watson at Pilates Body Studio in Lake Oswego, Oregon. A group of practitioners were in attendance including Portland Tai Chi instructor CJ McPhee, creator of Energy Moves. It was an impressive turn out.

David-Dorian led us through some exercises and explained about how Tai Chi is loaded with life-lessons. This idea is not new. Anyone who practices Tai Chi will see correlations between Tai Chi and their greater experience. However, David-Dorian made it fun and intriguing and I gained some new insights as he spoke about the six principles of Tai Chi. Below is what I took away from the workshop:

Principle #1 - Slow Down

This is self-explanatory in Tai chi, but it’s easier to put into your form practice than it is to do in real-life situations. When practicing a discipline we often speed up during the difficult parts so that we can get through them and on to the parts where we feel more comfortable. We do it at work and we do it in play. It doesn’t matter what we’re doing, we all do it. After hearing how David-Dorian presented it I began to think about slowing down in my whole life. How many times have I made a hasty decision that could’ve been avoided had I taken my time? Tai Chi doesn’t begin and end when the form begins and ends.

Principle #2 - Sink

Get in touch with the Earth. Be grounded. In Tai Chi we call it “rooted” or “rooting,” like a tree. To me, sinking is less about getting as low as you can (which sometimes makes you more unsteady) and is more about being connected. This is a place where practitioners tend to differ, but however you look at it, you must do it. Sinking might be aligned with being ready for anything. Think of sinking as keeping your feet on the ground and your head out of the clouds. We’re physical beings but sometimes we get all cerebral and dreamy, lost in our own imagination or psychosis. Sink—get your feet on the ground.

Principle #3 - Relax

You can’t make it through a Tai Chi class without hearing the word “relax.” David-Dorian emphasized relaxation as any good Tai Chi teacher will do. I always say that relaxation is a means in Tai Chi. Slow down, sink, relax. Relax not only when doing Tai Chi form but also when you lose your car keys, or when you find yourself in a stressful situation. R-e-l-a-x. 

Principle #4 - Balance Yin & Yang

I get and got the idea of Yin and Yang flowing from one to the other in the Tai Chi form. For instance, when you push right (Yang) you then turn and hold the ball (Yin) single whip to the left (Yang). This balance of full and empty energy happens outside of the form as well. In the form we don’t jump from posture to the other, we transition into it. In my personal life I tend to want to jump rather than transition from one Yang moment to the next without a Yin transition in between. You have to sleep at night. You have to rest. You have to slow down, sink, relax, and balance Yin and Yang.

Principle #5 - Natural

Is the movement natural? If not it’s not Tai Chi. How do you know if it’s natural? You feel it. When you try to compress your body into someone else’s framework you will suddenly find that you cannot sink, relax, or find balance.

Principle #6 - Continuity

Another simple principle, keeping a continuous speed, timing, and flow are all part of Tai Chi practice. Continuity not only happens in your form but also in your daily practice. Daily practice is rhythmic. Practice once every few weeks is not. Consistency in business, in school work, in relationships, in your work, and being your word are all forms of Tai Chi.

Frequently Asked Tai Chi Questions

Have a question? Please contact me and I will do my best.

What is Tai Chi?

Tai Chi Chuan is an ancient Chinese Martial Art which features slow-motion, flowing postures. Practicing Tai Chi can be described as developing one’s ability to respond to opposing forces.

What is Qigong?

Qigong is a breath-work practice involving movement designed to energize the body.

What’s the difference between Tai Chi and Qigong?

Simply put, Qigong is a health and longevity practice and Tai Chi Chuan is a martial art.

Do I need to practice with a group?

Practiced daily all over the world by everyday people, Tai Chi is both a solitary and community activity. Think of it like playing music—you can play alone or with others but playing with others improves your skill.

Can I join at any time?

In my classes, yes. But expect to be a little overwhelmed at first before you settle in.

What should I wear to class?

Comfortable clothes. Layers. Loose fitting or stretchy pants.

Can I go barefoot?

Yes, of course, as long as the floor and your feet allow it. You can also do Tai Chi in street shoes or in whatever type of shoes work for you—comfortable sneakers, soft soled shoes, or “kung fu slippers” as in the photo.

How do I choose a teacher or school?

Read How to Choose a Teacher.

Are there any books or videos I can read or watch?

Yes, of course. There are many! Head to the library and choose any book or DVD that stands out to you. Remember, try before you buy!