Inner Power from Tai Chi Mike

Happy new year

2012-01-05T07:01:00.002-05:00

Hello to all my friends and family and students..What a great time of the year this is.An opportunity for us to appreciate what we have and improve something in our lives.Lets remember to be gentle and kind to ourselves as we make new goals for our health and mental well being.So today is the first day of the rest of your life! What are we going to do with it?.For me its doing taiji at sunrise and thinking about all the nice people who attend my classes and make my day.Then a nice healthy lunch.I guess its the simple things that make me happy.How about you?..Thanks Taichi Mike

HOLIDAYS

2011-12-18T20:29:00.002-05:00

Hello to all my students.I want to wish all of you happy holidays and a healthy new year.Please remember that this is a time for giving and appreciating how lucky and blessed we are.Then lets try to improve something within our selves so we can really enjoy next year.I vote for trying to not take anything personal and accepting other peoples differences.Sounds easy but you might have to meditate each day for 10minutes in order for us to really get it.Please try it and let me know how its working for you.If you dont -I wont take it personal. With Love taichi Mike

Bmindful

2011-11-05T07:04:00.002-04:00

BMINDFUL is what I have on my licence plate and lots of my friends and students ask me what does it mean.In the beginning of my Taiji journey it was more about being aware of my actions-to make sure I was being courteous of others-to make sure that I was being nice to others.That was the easy part for most people who stay with taiji are already kind of nice.Then I had to learn to be nice and gentle with myself-I had to stop picking on my mistakes with the form and not get annoyed that I cant remember stuff-I started to treat myself better with mind chatter -with food intake--with what and who is important in my life--I had to learn forgiveness-and that was difficult.....Then after many years of learning I began to understand the Bmindful was all about of learning to BE in the MOMENT of life each day! That does take some work and strength and focus- but when you are able to enjoy the little things in life and the world slows down and your body and mind and breath are connected--Well my friends- at that moment "ALL IS WELL" and life is a beautiful place...Good luck on your journey... Taichi Mike

Taiji classes

2011-10-28T07:09:00.002-04:00

Good morning to all my taiji fans....I have been asked to put info on my classes on my blog....Monday I am in Statesville at 9--Moorsville at 11 & 12.15...Tuesday I am in Cornelius at 9--Charlotte at 11.45...Wedsday I am in Birkdale at 9.30--Huntersville at 11.45...Thursday I am in Charlotte at 11&1.30&6.30..Friday I do private classes and Reiki sessions......Please Call 704-947-8657 for details..Thank you Taiji Mike

World Taiji day..

2011-05-01T09:00:00.002-04:00

Thanks to all who came to World taiji day.It was fun to see so many students and new people on this special day.I hope all enjoyed the weather and teachings of the various Sifu's....Most of all I hope you felt good after you sent some positive Qi to the world.Remember it is always nicer to do your qigong/taiji out in the open by the water or trees to meld with nature....thanks for coming and see you in class...Sifu Mike

2011-04-24T12:03:00.002-04:00

SPRING and Taiji..........What a great time to start or restart or improve your taiji!...the flowers are blooming the trees are full of life the air smells sweet and the days are longer......Its time to wake up from the winter and add to your life with a SPRING in your step.....Like at turtle we should move slow and steady and add to our longevity of life.Enjoy your journey and I will see you in class or out in the parks..Remember world Tai-Chi day at ramsey creek park on 4/30 at 9.30am....Ciao

Holidays

2010-12-26T18:21:00.002-05:00

As we near the end of another year and the beginning of the new year it is always fun and productive to make some goals or resolutions for our health and well being. For me it is easy: I will continue to "live in the moment" appreciate what I have and do the best I can with what I have now.......How about you? Is there anything that you can add or remove from your life that will bring you peace of mind and a stronger body? To all my students and friends..I hope that next year brings you all that you need - And a few things that you want..Be careful out there...Sifu Mike

2010-12-11T15:31:00.002-05:00

Back from China........I am back with a renewed vigor and an increased appreciation of what Tai-chi has to offer for me and my students....The good news is that anyone can get the benefits of Taiji/Qigong regardless of your age-health or abilities.....The bad news for some is that YOU have to do it daily and try to enjoy what you are doing...It is not a job to help your health.It is a privilege.The next time you are up and moving and breathing--take a moment and really appreciate that you are lucky that you can...the object of taijichuan and Qigong is to create a sense of well being and to feel good.......The masters say "be consistent for a 100 days and it will become a habit".....I wish all my friends could see all the people in China doing some kind of exercise every morning in the parks.(from 9 to 90)and they are having fun playing with all their friends...Remember discipline is the ability to obey yourself...As they say-try it you will like it,and its free.......Be safe and enjoy the holidays...... Sifu Mike

T'ai Chi principles for Father's day

2010-06-22T19:03:00.003-04:00

Happy Fathers Day... As we know, being a father is a complex responsibility. We also know that raising a child is a double-edged sword, and an ever-changing challenge that, like the yin yang, allows us to experience all ends of the emotional spectrum. Remember that our job is to teach-protect-educate and love our sons and daughters. After they learn, then we can also be their friends. We have to continually adjust our role as they get older and marry and become parents. So for all the sweat and tears and great moments that we have gone through, Hallmark allows us to have a SPECIAL day one time a year. It's this day that seems to become a problem as most of us wait for some recognition and gratitude that may not come.. When we learn T'ai Chi we are taught early not to have preconceived expectations, so we do not get impatient or disappointed -- we learn that the struggle and the journey are the reward. So I say to all my friends who are fathers -- do not worry about the one day! Just enjoy your kids whenever you can and just assume that they love you and care.

Meditation

2010-03-07T17:33:00.003-05:00

Most of us by now know that meditation is good for us. Yet very few do it! We have moving meditation like Tai chi or qigong. We can stand still like a tree(Zhan Zhuang).We can sit or lie down. But still we tend not to make time for meditation. Is it because we are to busy to spend 15 minutes a day or do we really not fully understand the health benefits? The best way to protect ourselves from "chronic stress" is to spend 15 minutes every day in quiet simple meditation. Pick a time - relax your body - breathe into the nose and out the mouth (unless you can breathe out the nose easily) - smile at your heart and create a sense of well being. Then just be! This will elicit a relaxation response. This will reduce stress hormones. This will slow down the electrical activity in the brain. This will reduce inflammation and help your heart become stronger. This will strengthen the neural networks that connect heart and brain. This will increase immune-cell activity and maybe help us sleep better. All this for 15 minutes a day. Plus it's fun!

Tai chi thoughts: Remember! Nothing happens unless YOU take the first step! Dont you agree?

A secret to living longer!

2010-02-01T09:54:00.004-05:00

Hello to all my students and friends. If I told you that you could improve your overall health by doing something that is easy and fun, and only takes 20 minutes a day, would you do it? This simple exercise will strengthen your legs - improve your balance - increase your circulation - improve your sense of well being - relax your mind and reduce stress - and improve your posture and strengthen your bones. I bet my students have guessed. Start the day with doing "Embrace the Moon" t'ai chi for a warm up, then add a 15- to 20-minute relaxed but brisk walk. Can you imagine? All this for just 30 minutes of your time. Plus it can be fun.......Try it! you will like it!

Tai chi thoughts: I became 65 this month. Which brings up the thought of at what age are we Old? For me its 25 years older than I. What is it for you??

2010 resolutions!

2009-12-28T17:23:00.003-05:00

Happy New Year.....It is time to THINK-PLAN-ACT. Let us think about some resolutions that would improve our body-mind-spirit. I will be doing a 7 min workout each day to keep toned and energetic. I will be reading and doing crosswords and a 10 min meditation for the mind. I will be thankful and kind and do my tai chi form for my spirit! How about you???

Happy New Year

2009-12-20T15:42:00.001-05:00

Hello to all my friends –students-family. What a great time of the year to pass on good tidings and cheer (I think someone else coined that phrase). If you want to feel the chi from this holiday and special season! Then all you have to do is help someone who is in need. Give it a try, no matter how small and keep smiling as we count our blessings. Thank you for all you do and I will see you all next year. Love Sifu Mike

Aging without feeling old - Part 2

2009-08-02T13:06:00.002-04:00

I think we all agree that we feel younger as we become more active and agile. Next we have to find a way to exercise more. Our first step is to start eating better. Let’s make sure that we are reducing our sugar intake as we strive for a more balanced meal. We need to learn about the correct balance of protein, carbohydrates and fats with our main meals. Lets also learn about eating healthier snacks to keep our energy level higher and more stable during the day. Be very careful with what we drink (more water-less junk).that will help greatly with our plan to feel better so we can increase our exercise.

Tai chi thoughts: When we awake in the morning-how old do we feel? Think about that before we look in the mirror.

Stay centered, enjoy the day, and be careful out there.
Sifu Mike

Aging without feeling old!

2009-07-12T13:18:00.002-04:00

As a 64 year old man I, like all of us, will and have gone through adjusting to aging. The trick is to accept getting older without feeling old. So how do we do that? This is a question that I would like my seniors to help me answer (all comments welcomed). My first thought is to stay active and agile. Tai chi and yoga and walking and swimming are good ways to stay fit. So let us start with that as we add to the list over the next few weeks. OK? I will check for your comments after my 5 mile walk.

Tai chi thoughts: Sixty is the young age of old. For me old is 25 yrs from now.

Stay centered, enjoy the day, and be careful out there.
Sifu Mike

Tough Times

2009-07-05T11:29:00.003-04:00

Lots of people are really scared and are having trouble adjusting to our new world of challenging times. Some of my students are even losing sleep because of worry and fear. Many times we get caught up in all the doom and gloom and start to lose hope and feel that we cannot recoup our losses. When that happens, it is time to remember what Theodore Roosevelt said – ‘Do what you can, where you are, with what you have.” I have this message over my desk and look at it when I pay my bills. Remember, there is plenty that we can do.

Tai chi thought of the week:
“Embracing the tiger” means to calmly accept our problems and do the best we can. Then go outside and breathe and smile.

Stay centered, enjoy the day, and be careful out there.
Sifu Mike

Questions to Ponder

2009-04-19T18:14:00.003-04:00

What is a man? What makes a man a man? Where do we learn how to be a man? Who are we? Where are we going? What do we have to do to get there? How old is old? When we wake up, how old are we? Remember, it is never too late to be what you want to be!!

Tai chi thought of the week:
Since you will be with yourself for the rest of your life, it might be a good idea to enjoy your company.

Stay centered, enjoy the day, and be careful out there.
Sifu Mike

Appreciation

2009-03-14T15:59:00.002-04:00

As I was sitting around the house this week suffering with a stomach virus, it became obvious that I don't always appreciate being healthy. It's easy to remember to appreciate good health when we are suffering, and also when we are recovering (how sad for people who cannot recover). The question is -- after we are well and feeling better, do we wake up and appreciate how good we feel? Do we appreciate waking up? Do we appreciate what we have, during a time of loss? Do we appreciate our family and friends? Tomorrow is the first day of the rest of your life -- start appreciating more and more, and see how that helps your happiness.

Tai chi thought of the week:
Freedom from always wanting an answer will help us deal with our problems...

Stay centered, enjoy the day, and be careful out there.
Sifu Mike

Maturity

2009-02-16T08:48:00.000-05:00

One of the benefits of getting older is the understanding of maturity. My thoughts are – maturity is the ability to control anger and not overreact, the patience and ability to pass on short term pleasure in favor of long term gain, living in peace with what we cannot change and having the courage to change what we can.

Tai chi thought of the week:
Next time you need a snack, how about blueberries or almonds. Maybe add some yogurt and enjoy the taste and health benefits.

Stay centered, enjoy the day, and be careful out there.
Sifu Mike

What is Reiki?

2009-02-08T14:55:00.002-05:00

As a Reiki Master I am often asked to explain Reiki. Pronounced ray-key, reiki is a Japanese word for universal life force energy. Just like Chi in tai chi, or prana in yoga, reiki can and is used to for healing, deep relaxation, and inner peace. Reiki can bring balance and harmony to the body and mind as it boasts the immune systems and enhances the body’s ability to heal itself. Reiki can never do harm, and can be used to enhance all other healing modalities. Reiki is done with the client resting on a table or chair. The session takes about an hour, and the client should give himself time to relax and not rush afterwards (so as to enjoy the afterglow). I can perform reiki at my house or yours, and I am certified to attune students who want to become a Reiki Practitioner or Reiki Master. Reiki can benefit you in many ways.

Tai chi thought of the week:
Let’s remember that the purpose of a discussion is progress, not who wins. Don’t you agree?

Stay centered, enjoy the day, and be careful out there.
Sifu Mike

Birthdays

2009-01-18T14:25:00.001-05:00

When we have birthdays it sometimes creates mixed emotions. In my case it’s always a positive, for it focuses lots of attention on me and reminds me how lucky I am... how blessed I am to have reached 64 (last week!) and feel like 40 (until I look in the mirror!). Then I get cards and phone calls from friends and family. My 5-year-old grandson Carter was born on the same date, and he helped his mom make my favorite dessert. My thanks to all who helped make my birthday a special event in my life. They say you can judge a man by his friends – I hope that is true. Again, I think you all (or is that y’all), it is appreciated to the fullest.

Tai chi thought of the week:
Before I sleep I spend a moment thinking about all the nice things that I will be doing tomorrow. In the morning before I get out of bed I again think about all the nice things I have to look forward to today. It is a great way to start the day. Try it!

Stay centered, enjoy the day, and be careful out there.
Sifu Mike

Do Your Best!

2009-01-13T08:13:00.002-05:00

When you try something new, like tai chi or yoga or any new exercise, try not to put lots of pressure or expectations on yourself. Just do your best! It's simple if you do your best, then whatever happens happens. And that's OK because we can only do our best, whatever that is for each of us individually. Don't you agree? Keep this in mind when you are thinking about the kids or grandkids. If they are trying and doing their best, then whatever the grade on the test is ok. Sometimes the kid with the B is working harder than the kid with the A. Learning how to work and study and practice is more valuble than an A (in my humble opinion, that is).

Tai chi thought of the week:
In our pursuit of happiness we should realize that each and every day has some happy moments in it. When we are not in the moment we will most likely miss that happy moment. That would be a shame.

Stay centered, enjoy the day, and be careful out there.
Sifu Mike

New Year’s Resolutions

2008-12-28T14:25:00.001-05:00

Each year I list 10 resolutions for the upcoming year. I then hang them on the wall for me to see and remember. I try to have a few for my HEALTH, a few that will help others, and a few for fun. It’s great to have a plan without a lot of pressure to achieve them all. This year I am redoing three from last year, one of them is to do more yoga (I didn't do a good job with this last year). I did do a good job on at least five -- if I were a baseball player batting 500 that would be great!

Happy New Year's to all, I hope all of you are blessed as I am, and have the wisdom to know it!

Tai Chi Mike

Wash your hands to prevent colds and flu

2008-12-07T11:36:00.001-05:00

Washing your hands sounds easy, but are you doing it properly and often enough?
1. Using warm, hot or cold water works. Using soap works even better and if you sing happy birthday while you are using soap and warm water then you are washing long enough.
2. After washing in public toilets use the paper towels to turn the water off and open the door. Then discard the towel quickly.
3. Don’t touch your face after you encounter your grandkids or anyone with a cold or sniffles.
4. Spray your door knobs with Lysol after having visitors and/or family in your house.
5. Do not eat the peanuts at the bar……

Tai chi thought of the week:
If you have a problem that seems to be overwhelming, just do as the masters do. Take the first step -- come back to center -- and let the next one reveal itself.

Stay centered, enjoy the day, and be careful out there.
Sifu Mike

Practicing Discipline

2008-11-29T15:10:00.003-05:00

Discipline is the ability to obey yourself. Most of us would agree that discipline is an important attribute. Discipline helps us stay focused and enables us to meet our personal goals. So how do we develop the ability to have discipline in our life? Try following my method -- Each month I decide to increase or delete something that adds to my health or my spirit. For example: in December I will be doing pushups and I will be adding omega 3 to my diet. I will do this six days a week during the month of December. So each month I am rewarded with both the physical benefits of what I do and the psychological uplift of knowing that I am a disciplined person, that I am obeying myself. You might want to start with something important but reasonable in effort. Start with just seven days, and each month add a week. Have fun and take your time as you add this wonderful practice to your life.

Tai chi thought of the week:
During these difficult times, try to remember what Theodore Roosevelt said: "Do what you can-where ever you are-with what you have!" It’s a great way to make the best out of any situation.

Stay centered, enjoy the day, and be careful out there.
Sifu Mike

Four Steps to Lower Blood Pressure

2008-11-23T12:39:00.003-05:00

High blood pressure (hypertension) is so common and silent that most of us do not take it seriously. One of every three Americans have pressure over 120/80. So what can we do about this? Most of you know that I do not like taking medicine unless absolutely necessary and then only after changes in diet and exercise have been made. Here are some tips: 1) DIET. Get more potassium. We need to get 5x more potassium than sodium (I bet you're not!)...sweet potatoes-bananas-green beans-orange juice-cantaloupe-tomatoes and prunes will do the trick. Do not take supplements unless prescribed by your heath care provider. 2) Boost your vitamin D level by spending 15 minutes a day in the sunlight. 3) Learn how to meditate through exercises like YOGA and/or Tai Chi, and of course keep walking as much as you can. 4) Learn how to do "belly breathing" (diaphragmatic breathing) and spend 5 minutes 3 times a day relaxing, and smiling and breathing and counting our blessings. Try it you'll like it.

Tai chi thought of the week:
The purpose of a discussion or argument should be PROGRESS not victory. Sometimes it’s better to be NICE than RIGHT.

Stay centered, enjoy the day, and be careful out there.
Sifu Mike

Weight Loss Tips

2008-11-16T19:32:00.003-05:00

Lots of us try to lose weight and find it very difficult. We seem to start off with a loss, and then we put the pounds back on. One of the reasons is that we don't fully understand what to do to succeed. Here are 5 tips to overcome this challenge. 1) 3,500 calories equals 1 pound, so if you want to lose 2 pounds a week you have to reduce your calories by 7,000, or 1,000 a day. Most of us cannot cut back by this much food per day, so exercise is a MUST. 2) How much time are you giving yourself to succeed? We all need to be patient and realistic with our goals, and with OURSELVES. 3) The Masters say it takes 100 days to change a habit, including a few set backs along the way. 4) Do not skip breakfast, and pay close attention to what you DRINK. 5) The good news is that one of the few things in life that we really can control is WHAT WE PUT INTO OUR MOUTHS! Don't you agree?? Good luck on this very important health issue.

Tai chi thought of the week:
There is no failure, only different outcomes. Remember, what the caterpillar calls the end, the Master calls a butterfly.

Stay centered, enjoy the day, and be careful out there.
Sifu Mike

The Five Superfoods

2008-11-09T11:33:00.004-05:00

Our goal is to not only live a long life, it’s also to live a healthy one. What we eat will have a profound effect on our longevity and our abilities. Super foods are a great way to start .SALMON (wild not farmed); BLUEBERRIES (frozen is fine); ALMONDS (lightly salted or no salt); TEA (all types especially green, with no sugar); BROCCOLI (not loaded with butter or cheese). Please add these wonderful foods to your weekly diet and review how you feel after 100 days. Enjoy the journey.

Tai chi thought of the week:
Before you speak, ask yourself: Is it kind, is it necessary, is it true, and does it improve on the SILENCE?

Stay centered, enjoy the day, and be careful out there.
Sifu Mike

The Three P's

2008-11-02T08:27:00.001-05:00

All health improvements start with the mind--we have a idea on how to improve ourselves and then we start---and then we stop!! What happens is, we forget to add PATIENCE-PRACTICE -PERSEVERANCE. So next time you start a diet or exercise please add the three P's and see if that helps. Do not rush the process or the results. Small but steady steps on your journey will work. Be like the turtle and win the race.

Tai chi thought for the week:
"Embrace the TIGER" means to calmly accept conflict as an opportunity to learn about self, grow and do the extraordinary.

Stay centered, enjoy the day and be careful out there!!
Sifu Mike