Wednesday, August 26, 2009

Develop Your Chi In The Martial Arts

Tap into what the ancient Chinese Taoists believed was the eternal power that moved the universe ' Chi. When we're stressed we often block our Chi flow, becoming tired and tense. Now you can relax and harness your internal power.


Instructions


1. Begin with meditation to become aware of your own chi.


2. Sit comfortably in a quiet place. Be sure you won't be interrupted for at least 20 minutes.


3. Inhale and exhale deeply, breathing from your diaphragm. Imagine fatigue and tension escaping as you exhale. Imagine fresh air and energy entering your body as you inhale.


4. Isolate muscle groups. Tense a group, such as your neck muscles, for several seconds and then relax. Move on to another area until your body is fully relaxed.


5. Empty your mind of stressful thoughts and concentrate on the rhythm of your body. Sense the blood flow, your breathing and so on until you can feel the body's natural rhythm.


6. Bring up your awareness (spirit) to the top of your head by imagining a string pulling you up.


7. Push your breathing lower until you reach an area about three inches below the navel and two inches inward (the tan t'ien, known as the center of your chi).


8. Meditate every day. After several weeks or months you will begin to sense the rhythm of internal energy without the assistance of deep breathing.


9. Use your mind to guide your chi's path inside your body. You'll gain increased awareness and natural energy.

Tags: your body, your breathing, your mind