My experience with Tai Chi Chuan has lead me to respect this art as a powerful tool for personal growth, physical and spiritual healing. Tai Chi cultivates the wisdom of the senses, body, mind and spirit together. Practice develops one's ability to connect to the moment, thereby increasing the quality of life.

Tai Chi, which means universal energy, is based on the principle of Tao. It is an ancient Chinese exercise, dating back some five thousand years. But unlike exercise regimes that pound the body and numb the mind, Tai Chi exercises the mind and body as one. It teaches us to tap into our chi, or life force, and achieve harmony.

Tai chi is based on the philosophy of Taoism, which suggests movement in harmony with nature, seeking the balance of opposites.

In tai chi, softness overcomes hardness as moving water can carve through rock, and strength and flexibility are balanced, as a tree stands strongly rooted while bending and flexing in the wind. Often referred to as the art of changing, tai chi suggests we change with ease, seeking balance in our lives.

This ancient exercise has been recognized for its numerous health benefits. Tai chi uses movement to relax and let go of tension. The slow, soft, gentle movements of Tai Chi develop balance, relaxation, and sensitivity. Tai Chi practice will calm the mind, strengthen the central nervous system, improve circulation, enhance joint flexibility, open the compression of the spine, lower blood pressure, and naturally improve posture.

The principles of tai chi teach not only a fluid and dynamic system of movement for health and self-defense, but also, when applied to daily life situations, provide a guide for appropriate action. Maximum effect is achieved with minimum effort. Understanding the principles of tai chi makes personal application in ones' life possible.