Tao Te Ching (Chapter 30)

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Whenever you advise a ruler in the way of Tao,
Counsel him not to use force to conquer the universe.
For this would only cause resistance.
Thorn bushes spring up wherever the army has passed.
Lean years follow in the wake of a great war.
Just do what needs to be done.
Never take advantage of power.
Achieve results,
But never glory in them.
Achieve results,
But never boast.
Achieve results,
But never be proud.
Achieve results,
Because this is the natural way.
Achieve results,
But not through violence.

Force is followed by loss of strength.
This is not the way of Tao.
That which goes against the Tao comes to an early end.

Tao Te Ching (Chapter 30), by Lao Tzu.
 

Tao Te Ching (Chapter 29)

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Do you think you can take over the universe and improve it?
I do not believe it can be done.
The universe is sacred.
You cannot improve it.
If you try to change it, you will ruin it.
If you try to hold it, you will lose it.

So sometimes things are ahead and sometimes they are behind;
Sometimes breathing is hard, sometimes it comes easily;
Sometimes there is strength and sometimes weakness;
Sometimes one is up and sometimes down.

Therefore the sage avoids extremes, excesses, and complacency.

Tao Te Ching (Chapter 29), by Lao Tzu

Tao Te Ching (Chapter 28)

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Know the strength of man,
But keep a woman's care!
Be the stream of the universe!
Being the stream of the universe,
Ever true and unswerving,
Become as a little child once more.
Know the white,
But keep the black!
Be an example to the world!
Being an example to the world,
Ever true and unwavering,
Return to the infinite.

Know honor,
Yet keep humility.
Be the valley of the universe!
Being the valley of the universe,
Ever true and resourceful,
Return to the state of the uncarved block.

When the block is carved, it becomes useful.
When the sage uses it, he becomes the ruler.
Thus, "A great tailor cuts little."

Tao Te Ching (Chapter 28), by Lao Tzu.
 

Wheelchair or not, T'ai Chi is good

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While practicing T'ai Chi, your mind is meant to stay focused on your movements, relaxation and deep breathing, while distracting thoughts are ignored. Part of the allure is that it's so gentle, it's an ideal form of activity for people with pain or other conditions that prevent more vigorous exercise. You can even do T'ai Chi if you're confined to a wheelchair. The medical literature shows T'ai Chi helps reduce depression, anxiety and stress.

Reference: Ease pain and depression.

On occasion, when I am traveling or simply on the go, I do my T'ai Chi workout right there and then.  It is usually a scaled down workout, and sometimes I engage in it mentally, that is, I practice it in my mind.  So being confined to a wheelchair is no excuse for not doing T'ai Chi, if you're interested.

The Taoist T'ai Chi Society in Toledo

Barb Colvin

Barb Colvin is an instructor with Taoist T'ai Chi Society in Toledo [Ohio]. She is a nurse by trade and has over 20 years of experience in T'ai Chi. Colvin is a breast cancer survivor, and she began T'ai Chi because she knew she would be prone to conditions such as osteoporosis.

“That was what kind of got me into it to begin with,” Colvin said. “Now I stay for the well-being that I get from it.”

Reference: T'ai Chi offers physical, mental health benefits.
If you want to get into T'ai Chi, check out your local community center, college or clinic.  Chances are, they have a program you're looking for, so have at it.

Exercise and Mindfulness in T'ai Chi

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There are very few structured workouts that involve both physical and mindfulness exercises. The practice of T'ai Chi is a martial arts exercise that involves elements of yoga and meditation. The physical element of T'ai Chi involves directing and regulating attention to imitating an instructor’s choreography. The mindfulness or emotional wellness component involves keeping an open mind and positive attitude. Research has shown that T'ai Chi has many positive health benefits that can improve the overall quality of an individual’s life.

Reference: Improve physical wellness with T'ai Chi.

Among those benefits are:

• More strength
• Better balance
• Better sleep
• Stress relief
• Depression prevention
• More energy

What are you waiting for?