Waving Your Arms Slowly

Slow, aesthetically pleasing arm movements by a group of older people in a park was my only understanding of Tai Chi until Saturday.

Tai Chi is not just for older people. It is not as easy as it looks. Contrary to my limited understanding its so much more than waving your arms incredibly slowly. It requires mental detachment from the external environment, patience and control. It also demands isolating your hips and pelvis to contort into individual movements.

Detaching from your external environment and going within is how you connect to your heart. It’s not about what other people want for your life, but rather living the innermost callings of your soul. Patience is required to enable you to connect with your heart. This is done by purposefully becoming still. Meditation or connecting with nature can help you detach from your external environment – sitting on the grass, watching the clouds or spending time being fully present where you are.

Tai Chi was about learning that your mind and ego will stop you from pushing yourself further, beyond your comfort zone. Despite the initial discomfort, I am here writing to you. Contrary to what your mind tells you, being out of your comfort zone will not kill you.

When was the last time you won the mental battle between your body and your mind?

Discomfort and fear will try to talk you out of trying new things. But that is the only way that you can move forward. Even if you don’t have everything worked out, it’s OK to take that first step into the unknown. The next step will appear as soon as you do. That is how you grow and evolve.

What was the last thing you tried that turned out to be completely different than you expected? What did you learn from that experience?

Life will continue to be scary and exhilarating if you are brave enough to step out of your comfort zone. Historically, if you look back at all the times you did, you will realise that you made it. You have come this far.

What are you going to try?