Are You Self-Centered?
by Brian Trzaskos, IIQTC/Tai Chi Easy™ Senior Trainer
PT LMT CSCS CMP MI-C
Finding ways to center ourselves during the day may be the key to unlocking a more enjoyable work life. Tai Chi employs a very simple process to center the body, breath, and mind.
Begin by standing with relaxed and flexible knees. Next, imagine a long dinosaur tail extending from your sacrum and reaching twenty feet behind you; rest this heavy tail on the ground and allow it to act like a kickstand. Now visualize a string attached to the crown of your head, lifting you up towards the sky. Allow your spine to become “a string of pearls suspended from heaven” as the classic Tai Chi texts proclaim. In sinking the pelvis and lifting the head, the body enters into a more balanced and coherent state, described by many experts as a dynamic equilibrium. In his book, Energy Medicine, Oschman notes that “Robbie (1977) reached the conclusion that soft tissues around the spine, when under appropriate tension, can actually lift each vertebrae off the one below it.”
Simply notice how easily the breath enters the body when standing in Tai Chi posture. In contrast, sink into an “old person” posture with forward head, round shoulders, and stooped spine; now attempt a diaphragmatic breath and notice the increased effort required to fill the lower lungs. Focused abdominal breathing has been related to improved metabolic processes, lymph circulation, immune function, and neurological capacities. The breath is our most powerful tool in obtaining a healthy body and balanced mind; ease of breath engenders peace of mind.
By consciously adjusting the body and noticing the breath, the mind focuses on the present moment letting go of the “didn’t get done” and “yet to do” lists. Tai Chi masters remind us that all power is in the now as it is impossible to act in either the past or future. Even done briefly, many times throughout the day, the three adjustments will begin to create a magical change in how your world operates.
I have found it very rewarding to practice the three adjustments at various times during the day between clients, at restroom breaks, and while doing paperwork. Tai Chi may be just the thing to help you become more “self-centered”!