In the West, many people first encountered the concept of chi when they watched Obi-Wan Kenobi urge Luke Skywalker to “use the force.” In the "Star Wars" movies, as in Chinese chronicles of warrior monks, this powerful invisible energy is depicted as being everywhere. Learning about this philosophy and practice has never been easier, even if you’re an absolute beginner. Your portal to the world of abundant chi is as close as your local tai chi or qi gong class.
Chi
Even without doing tai chi or qi gong, you already have chi. In “Between Heaven and Earth: A Guide to Chinese Medicine,” Harriet Beinfield and Efrem Korngold write that chi animates all living things. Chi is said to follow thought, so positive emotions cause it to circulate more abundantly in the body, believers say, and negative emotions suppress or block it.
Cultivating Chi
According to Roger Jahnke, Director of the Institute of Integral Qigong and Tai Chi in Santa Barbara, California, and author of “The Healing Promise of Qi,” ancient masters of chi cultivation suggested that if we practice techniques such as tai chi or qi gong with intention, inner harmony will arise. Practitioners believe that inner harmony creates greater flow of chi, which in turn leads to improved health and longevity.
In a practical sense, Jahnke’s formula means that it’s important to take your mind away from all your worries and focus only on the exercises in a tai chi or qi gong class. Even from your very first class, you can begin to practice intentionally and enjoy enhanced inner peace.
How to Learn
Tai chi and qi gong books, videos and online courses are widely available, but the best way to learn is from someone who can teach you in person. The website Everyday Tai Chi notes that tai chi done incorrectly can result in injury. A good teacher will help you stay on track as you learn.
Finding a Class
Community centers and fitness centers may offer tai chi or qi gong courses that can introduce you to local instructors, who may also be found online. “T’ai Chi: The International Magazine of T’ai Chi Ch’uan” maintains an online calendar of tai chi event listings, such as seminars and workshops, in the U.S. and Canada.
How to Choose
If you’re confused about whether to try tai chi or qi gong, bear in mind that tai chi is a martial art, and some classes emphasize that aspect. A typical qi gong class focuses on standing exercises and meditation. If you know you want to pursue both, tai chi is a better bet, since qi gong principles are the foundation of all tai chi training.
Goals
Most beginners struggle to put their hands and feet in the correct positions. Be patient with yourself. With practice, you’ll begin to feel as though your body is doing the movements automatically. It’s important at all stages of your training not to allow your mind to drift. Keeping your focus on each movement is essential to the physical and psychological benefits of tai chi and qi gong.
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