FOUR SHORTCUTS TO BETTER TAI CHI!!!

You mean after all these years (or months), you're finally going to find out that there are shortcuts to better Tai Chi? Unfortunately, they're not like the Cliff's Notes from your high school days.

#1 - Seva (service). For those of you who attended promotions on November 5th, check out the new Tai Chi handbook for a brief description of Seva or service. Master Zi has told us that there are only two ways to transcend our karma - suffering or service. I choose service!!!!!!! At Shakti's we can always use a little help somewhere. Someone to watch the counter so the regular staff can eat lunch or take care of new students is always a blessing. If you have a special talent that you think can be helpful to Shakti's let us know. For advanced students, seva is a mandatory part of your teacher training so don't be shy. Patricia will be handling the Seva schedule so please make sure you speak to her about your schedule and skills.

#2 - Yoga. What can I say, one class with Psalm and I was a yoga junkie. We also know how strong Master Zi's connection to yoga is. Nothing has propelled my Tai Chi forward more than Yoga. Flexibility and fluidity are absolutely connected. Sunday's are a great time to attend a yoga class right before the open Tai Chi class and Secret Yang. Check it out, see what a difference it makes in your Tai Chi and in your life.

#3 - Meditation. Master Zi recently told the advanced class how important this was to our Tai Chi practice. Luckily, some of us already have a morning meditation. My own practice was something I picked up from Zi while traveling together in Sri Lanka as he was waking up each morning at 4am to do qigong and Tai Chi. Often referred to as sadhana, morning meditation can bring quietude to the mind, reduce stress and help you to gain spiritual realization.

#4 - Practice. You didn't really think you could escape this? I'm not talking about coming to class, I'm talking about practice at home. Class is great for learning new movements and polishing the old; however, the time for you to go inside and really become the movement is during your home practice. Your teachers will be much more excited and giving if they're not repeating themselves each week in class.

Be well,

Rob Hoffman