The true origin of tai chi remains hidden in the haze of legends. Some attribute its birth to Bodhidharma's exercise for physically out-of-shape monks, some to Chang San-feng's imitation of snake vs crane fighting performance, others to Chen Wangting's method for making his villagers the most powerful. Actually, the need for us to propagate tai chi worldwide, is linked to all three of these legends. For we require the power of the Chen villagers to ward off the viruses and illnesses floating around our planet. We need the fortitude of Chang San-feng's snake and crane to absorb and redirect the abundance of stressful factors along our life's path. And, with health costs hitting the roof, we sure as heck must, as Bodhidharma urged his monks, get off our buns and get, or stay, physically fit.
Having learned tai chi and knowing the enjoyment the practice of this ancient art instills in me and you, what then, if any, is our responsibility? Many of us obviously feel a responsibility, for we've become tai chi teachers. We teach for many reasons, though our main reason in keeping this ancient art alive is to pass on it's healthful benefits to current and future generations.
However, those of us who are teachers know that merely deciding to teach is not enough; because just as there is no perfect tai chi, there is no perfect teacher. So, in addition to teaching, we continue to practice, practice, practice, all the while striving for that elusive perfection—that goal—of becoming not just proficient, but truly effective teachers.
Why effective? Well, first let's identify an effective teacher. Take a moment and recall that one teacher, coach, or mentor who really stands out in your life. The one you feel had the most positive effect on you. Visualize this person. What is the first thing that comes to mind when you think about him or her?
Did this teacher encourage you not just to learn, but also to be caught up in the learning process, to want to learn more? Did he/she instill in you that insatiable thirst to attain greater heights, no matter your level, ability, genetic make-up, or other situation? This, I believe, is effectiveness personified.
So what exactly did that teacher, mentor, or coach have that made him or her so effective? May I suggest two characteristics: heart and humor.
The word heart has many connotations. For instance, a person with heart is a person who cares. A person who cares is inclusive, is tuned into others and truly listens with ears, eyes, and heart. A person with heart wants to see and to help others to succeed. A person with heart leads with patience, encouragement, and fortitude. A teacher with heart is effective.
Humor conjures visions of laughter, enjoyment, and fun. People want to be in places where humor exists. We enjoy humorous movies. We pass around funny jokes. It takes less work for our facial muscles to smile than to frown. Laughter really does make us feel better. Thus, a teacher that can make you laugh, or allows you to, is more effective.
This, then, is what I see as the Tai Chi for Health teaching challenge: To propagate our art (tai chi) in the manner it's founders ( Bodhidharma, Sen-feng, and Chen), while continually striving—with heart and humor—for that elusive perfection of effectiveness, in order to keep ourselves, as well as our participants, moving towards health and wellbeing.
Visit www.taichiforhealthinstitute.org for more information and tai chi instructional material.
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Tai Chi for Energyby drpaullamtaichi8,904 views
This video does not contain CC (closed captions). What a bummer!
MikeCragoTube 6 months ago