Living the Tao Through the Soft Martial Arts

How does one live in the flow of Tao? A goodconnected to everything else in a non-linear way- the
starting point is learning one of the soft martial arts.Tao is all and in all.
The soft martial arts have a way of leading you into aWhen studying the soft martial arts in a classroom
greater sense of harmony and peace with yourselfenvironment it is important to remember that after you
and your surroundings. This aim has long been a partone and half hours are over your study doesn't end
of Chinese culture and the physical mechanicalthere. Participating in an art such as Tai-chi means
aspects of the internal arts are designed to lead youlearning to integrate its concepts and principles into
to this mental and spiritual place slowly but surely.every aspect of your existence and at every minute
Taoism - the way of the universe - has formed theof your day. It is a way of life and not just an exercise
foundation pillar of many people's lives in China overfor a couple of evening s per week. Every move you
the years and still does to this day. The Tao is themake can be made with an awareness of the energy
source of all energy and life and, ideally, an individualaround you and within you; you can bring your
should seek to harmonize themselves with it in orderconscious awareness to the smallest detail of your
to achieve maximum contentment and beneficialmovement and though. When performing mundane
success.tasks or fulfilling daily responsibilities then each moment
Connectedness is at the heart of Taoist philosophy.has the potential for being a moving or active
Breathing is connected to diet which is connected tomeditation. In this way you will find yourself not doing
energy which is connected to your surroundings whichsoft martial arts but part of the living Tao.
are connected to your breathing; everything is