Testimonial:
During my first Tai Chi private session, Master Liao began by asking me what I felt my energy level was on a scale of 1-10. Initially I rated myself at a 7 out of 10 based on my physical fitness regimen and focus on health as I am a healthcare professional myself. Soon to be clarified that my scale may be skewed due to the fact that my vision or perception of energy was narrower than the true vastness of the universal energy. I soon adjusted my scale and rated myself at 2 out of 10, relative in comparison to Master Liao’s rated 4 out of 10.
He demonstrated to me the power of walking as his force during normal walking was able to push back my body with ease. Most of us walk everyday without purpose or intention, and during my first session of Tai Chi with Master Liao I have begun to open to the possibility of more intention and purpose to every step.
I was instructed on four movements of Tai Chi. Through these specialized Tai Chi movements I grew aware of the stiffness I was holding in my body, weighing me down, and causing rigidity in my body. As I performed movements I could feel my shoulders relaxing and my arms feeling longer. I could feel buzzing and warmth in my hands, clarity in my senses and focus, lightness in being and at the same time grounded and center with each step.
Master Liao says that lightness I feel is me feeling younger and youthful, less heavy, old and run down. My walking became more purposeful and direct, instead of the swaying and zigzaging often seen in the imbalance that accompanies old age.
I can see that the practice of Tai Chi benefits my health and well-being as it invigorates the flow of blood and energy in my body, and I can feel the difference after each series of moves. The continual practice of Tai Chi would further perpetuate the smooth flow of blood and energy through my body letting go of tension and rigidity that may cause stagnation and pain to the body and organs. My Liao says, what other sport can you play lifelong that makes you healthier and not get injured… only Tai Chi.
July, 2010
