Tai chi exercise is a dynamic form of meditation. We seek quiet and calm while we are moving. As we constantly stretch and relax our arms and legs as we move our whole body. This is why tai chi can become a good model for our daily life where we are often asked to stay focused and calm in the midst of a busy environment. We will use the five introductory tai chi postures to communicate this practice of moving meditation.

In introducing tai chi exercise, we will explore its origins and links with Chinese natural philosophy, which may be summed up in the tai chi maxim: use mind and not force.
Some people who do tai chi comment that a session of tai chi is a bit like receiving a massage. We often feel soothed and energised. Actually acupressure massage, done with finger pressure, is a technique to flow the body energy along the same meridian lines (with many key points along each of them) which we are stretching and relaxing with our tai chi exercise. We will learn the principles of acupressure massage and explore 36 key points on the body. Our experience with acupressure in turn benefits our tai chi practice.

Course Outline:

• A survey of our meditation experience;
• Introduction to the tai chi idea and Chinese natural philosophy;
• Practice the five flowing exercises;
• Practice two supplementary tai chi exercises to sensitive and energize;
• Introduction to acupressure massage and its place in Chinese medicine;
• With a chart, we will familiarise ourselves with the 14 meridians and 36 of the key acupressure points on the human body;
• Review of the five flowing exercises;
• Overview of the longer tai chi form.

Learning Outcomes:

• be able to perform standing and sitting meditation;
• be able to perform the five tai chi flowing exercises;
• be able to focus on the centre of the motion while doing the tai chi circular movements;
• know the relationship between tai chi and acupressure therapy;
• know the place of acupressure within the body of Chinese medicine;
• Be able to locate and massage the key acupressure points on the body with the help of a chart.

What to bring:

• The main thing is to wear comfortable and loose clothing

About the Tutor:

'Patrick McGowan learned tai chi from teacher and naturopath, Simon Lim, who was head of the Tai Chi and Acupressure Organisation (TAO) in Sydney in the 1980s and 1990s. Patrick has taught at various places around Sydney since first learning the art and enjoys the exercise as much as ever. He has also written a book about his experience: Use Mind and Not Force: A Taiji Memoir.'

Other Information:

• To ensure resources are ready for you at the start of your course, we ask you ideally enrol at least one week before the course commences.
• All courses need a minimum number of students to run ("we try our hardest to get those") . If your course does not have enough students it will be cancelled before the commencement and you will be informed.