I teach that there are at least four stages to Tai Chi practice for those who are diligent enough to hike its often rugged and sometimes lonely and obscure path.

The four stages are – physical, emotional, mental and spiritual

When I mention stages, do not think in linear terms, as beginners often learn spiritual lessons at the first class (at least in my class they can). Rather, think of the stages as ponds and the lessons as rain and each pond can accumulate whenever it rains in that area.

Taiji philosophy has an abundance of spiritual lessons that can improve ones relationships, self-acceptance, lifestyle and general outlook A great place to start is by reading and incorporating the wisdom of the Tao Te Ching. The "Tao" as it is often called, starts out with metaphysical lessons that are profoundly deep regarding the understanding of the universe/multiverse. The lessons then shift toward the everyday existence of man and relate lessons on how to participate in ways that will “do the most good for the most people”. I highly recommend this treasure to every one that has not yet tasted its wisdom.

Energetically, Tai Chi can open the door to one’s questioning mind. When a player starts to feel energy around him/her and then feels it coursing through their body, anyone who is open minded and the least bit inquisitive will ask (just as I did) “what the heck was that!”

Being introduced to energy, one will start to seek answers for what they are experiencing, only to realize that every answer they find exposes another question. This is “the way”. “The way” is the path. The path is a spiritual awakening where we search for answers to the ultimate questions that we have as human beings. Look at the words “human being”. Have you ever even thought about those words?

Human, Hue means colour. We could look at that as white, brown, yellow and black, the four races. Or, I prefer to look at it as the energetic or auric colouring that encompasses every one of us. I have seen all sorts of colours around people from small white bands to rainbow like emanations. To me, that is why the term hue-man was incorporated. 

Being… to be, the act of living. Even though the majority of peoples lives are spent (wasted) thinking about past events or the future possibilities, we can only find ourselves in the now. The now is all we have and ever will have. The now is where we live. It is called the “present” because it is a gift. The now is the only time and place we can BE.

Thus we are all human beings.

These are the kinds of lessons that we are opened up to, when we start to walk the true path of Taijiquan.

Peace
Rod