I have been learning and practicing Tai Chi for about 4 years, not long by any standard.  Those who know me might say I am somewhat enthusiastic, and I try hard to learn the movements well.  Maybe I try too hard at times.

When I practice Tai Chi I try to put a fair amount of time towards the session, at least half an hour to an hour.   Most of my practice sessions are OK, some do fizzle, but occasionally some sessions rise above the rest.

It is during these sessions that I have found the greatest benefit of Tai Chi.  This is when I have harmony of movement with an emphasis on gentleness, and harmony of mind with an emphasis on quietness. 

It is when I am only thinking about the movements, the stances, the transitions, the breathing.  It is then, I am focussed.  It is then, I am in the present. If I am truly in the present, then I cannot be in the past nor can I be in the future.  Consequently my thoughts are not distracted by past regrets or by the worries that lay ahead.  

And this is the funny thing. After such sessions I find that there is indeed a greater clarity of purpose, things do fall into a better perspective.  What an enormous reduction in stress!

I must admit such sessions don’t occur as often as I would like, largely because the distractions of my mind are such a stumbling block.   But when the movements do flow and the mind is truly focused and at ease.  There is harmony. There is gentleness.  There is peace.  Such bliss!

- Steven Chan (Doncaster)

Celestial Tai Chi College of Australia