Friday, June 27, 2014

Basic T'ai Chi (3) "Train" Self Defense


(image credit)

In the US, children are taught to "Stop. Look. And Listen." before crossing the street.  In the same vein, school buses are required by law to stop before crossing railroad tracks, and the driver must open the door and look left and right and listen for any oncoming train.

Remember that T'ai Chi helps us be mindful, and be aware of our surroundings.  It isn't just a cerebral thing, either.  Rather T'ai Chi helps us build our senses - sight, sound, smell, taste and touch - such as sensing another person's chi through contact such as Push Hands (Tui Shou).  

Whether I am in an urban, industrial or rural crossing, I essentially do what school children and bus drivers do: I follow signs and signals, stop if necessary, and look around and listen carefully.  

This, too, is T'ai Chi self defense.

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