[This man looks very much like my Grandfather. Photo credit: MisterWiki.]

My Grandpa lived on his own until he was 96. Born in 1898, he lived a full life with stories and children…and boxing. He carried himself bolt upright all the time. I never saw the man slouch.

The man had impeccable, defined dignity. He emanated it wherever he went. He walked bolt upright and his ability to carry himself tall and proud testified to his depth of dignity.

I was reminded of Grandpa and of my secret Taiji goals when I StumbledUpon this:

Apparently age is just a number, especially when it comes to keeping a healthy body. The following 5 inspirational and active people have obviously stocked up on vitamins, done their stretches and taken old age on head first. After looking at these 5, there’s simply no excuse not to shape up.

— from 5 Old Age Health Freaks (unfortunately: not a dignified title)

The story tracks 5 older folks and their amazing athletic feats.

It shows more evidence that people can handle the powerful, combative aspects of Taiji, doesn’t it? I mean: if “92yr old Ladislav Nicek [can compete] in the annual Winter Swimming Championships in the Vlatva River for over half a century” I bet you can amp up your training. I digress…

Taiji has many more goals than just fighting or general health and fitness.

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When imagining being attacked by vicious predators or crazy perpetrators, the intention is not to stimulate violence. It’s to prepare for peace.

Imagining attackers prepares a body and nervous system for proper responses. It stimulates survival mechanisms. It offers an exacting study of reflexive tendencies and habitual movement patterns. It provides opportunities to discover where one holds unnecessary tension that might obstruct or confine fluid, flowing motions.

Begin by getting the motions correct, and then move on to images that are less horrific. Here’s why practicing outdoors brings new refreshment:

one might imagine offering breath or energy to trees, people, hills, mountains, or distant horizons.

At this stage the body sinks into the ground a little more and the reach extends. The eyes also move from looking down and inward to exploring the real world, looking toward vast vistas.

Taijiquan becomes an act of peace as long as its roots are sturdy.

Mother’s Day was designed to stimulate peace too.

Happy Mother’s Day!

Go see the Mother’s Day Exquisite Taiji Offering at Integral Grace.

Taijiquan Quote of the Week

“The fingers should be straight but not stiff. The palms are relaxed and slightly hollowed while holding the Tile Palm Hand.”

—Power Taiji

While there are several shapes that the hands form into during the form, this is the primary one. Feel energy in your palms. Tile Palm Hand is alive (yang) and relaxed (yin) all at once.