Creative Brain Exercise: Tai Chi

Tai Chi

Here are the people that I have seen doing Tai Chi — martial arts people in the movies, usually appears to mean that the hero is very cool and spiritual, people like me who give it a shot and decide it is more difficult than it seems, and wise appearing, often older Asian people very seriously doing Tai Chi in the park.

I am sure there are others, but this is my limited experience.  I didn’t try it for a long time because I could not, for the life of me, see how it could do anyone any good.  It looks so easy.

It ain’t.

Big “Manly” Weightlifter Lies in Pool of Sweat

I have lifted weights forever, thinking of it as such a “manly” thing to do. I decided to try the Tai Chi movements.  Within 5 minutes, I was sweating more than I had ever done lifting weights.  It always looked so easy on film or when someone else was doing it.

This is an exercise regimen that is simple, yet complex.  It breaks categories because it is not fast moving, yet it is at the root of many martial arts.

Here is a video of what is known as the 24 forms of Tai Chi.

Quiet Beauty

Do you see the quiet beauty in this form of exercise? The brain responds to the slow movements, the purposeful placement of legs and feet, and the exacting flow of arms and hands.  These are not everyday movements, and the brain is challenged by changes such as seen here.

While there is much research necessary to determine long term positive effects, in the short term, Tai Chi has been shown to improve outcomes in traumatic brain injury.

I think it’s beautiful.

Aikido

Tomorrow, another Asian approach in Aikido, or the way of harmonic energy.

Art By Mornin_Glori