Why I Practice and Play Tajiquan (Tai Qi or Tai Chi) 

Tai Chi is an ancient mindfulness practice.  Tai Chi and Qi gong are foundational for all of the martial arts.    As a mindfulness practice, it teaches the power of keeping an open mind.   It teaches that every single person you meet has something to teach you.  Either because they know something you do not, have thought about something more deeply than you or because they say or do things you dislike.   All of those things are teaching you something.  When you react to someone negatively, ask yourself why.  Does that annoying behavior you react to tell you something about yourself that you have yet to see?  Tai chi also teaches us to accept and let go.   If you stay in the moment, you can see that your past has no sway over you now and worrying about tomorrow is pointless.   Tai Chi teaches you to do kind things when nobody is watching, and you will receive no praise or credit.   It teaches humility and receptivity to whatever the universe has in store.   

Tai Chi is an excellent physical exercise too.   It improves leg strength and balance, ankle flexibility, coordination and special awareness.   It is said that a Tai Chi master would never step on a nail or fall through ice because every step is a mindful connection and the weight will not go down until it is felt and sensed to be safe.   A Tai Chi master steps silently and stealthily like a cat.    It also helps coordinate your breath with your movement.    

Tai Chi is an excellent form of meditation and especially so if you just cannot sit still.   While it is a moving meditation, when you are connected to your body and mind and breath you become in the moment.   In that place, there is nothing else but the Tai Chi and this gives your body and mind the space and rest so needed to recover and stay strong.