Why I Practice Tai Chi
By Michael Asbury
Michael Asbury (far right) receives instruction on hand placement from Michael Norton (second from right) during an Open Class.
Note: Michael Asbury is a former student who moved out of state
On my 31st birthday I visited my family doctor for my yearly check-up. During this visit we discussed my usual health issues. These issues included headaches, smoking cessation failures, circulation issues, and lack of exercise. My doctor informed me that although I was only 31, I was headed down a path that would only make these problems worse.
Being a medical practitioner myself, I realized that the headaches were possibly due to stress and diet, the smoking (and my failed attempts to quit) were also stress related, and the circulatory issues were related to both the smoking and lack of exercise.
My doctor recommended exercise and after speaking to many people I became interested in Yoga. I researched the art and read autobiographies about people who had spoken highly about yoga. When I searched for yoga classes, I found that classes were offered everywhere in many different forms. I watched the early morning televised classes and attempted some of the postures and exercises only to find it was not very fulfilling. So, I gave up.
A few months later I noticed that my health issues were not leaving; in fact they only became worse. Having four children at home and working in a highly demanding profession, I found myself at a loss for time and felt exercise was hopeless. I thought about P90X and CrossFit regimens, and felt they were way too rigorous for someone who hasn’t actively exercised in almost 10 years. I also thought (and still think) these exercise programs are fads — quick ways to get a beach body for the summer.
Then I thought about a book I read once that talked about the “I Ching,” which is a more spiritual and mystical practice and one of the oldest forms of Chinese texts. While reading the book, it mentioned Tai Chi and its health benefits. Tai Chi is considered to have evolved from Chinese philosophical principles such as Taoism and Confucianism. It is widely known for its health benefits, which encompasses the mind, body, and spirit. Tai Chi teaches the basic fundamentals that are building blocks for martial arts and may be used to help strengthen the mind and body, to practice martial arts from a holistic approach, and also help spiritually through meditation.
I decided to do research on the Internet to see what was offered in my area. Columbia Tai Chi Center was the first thing that Google brought to my screen. It talked about the complete cultivation of the mind, body and spirit. Immediately, I felt a connection. I signed up for the free intro class that was offered and prayed that the classes would fit my schedule and were financially feasible. I also hoped that the instructor was genuine and knowledgeable about the craft. I had heard horror stories about commercialized programs and YMCA classes that were not very captivating for the long term type of help I needed.
During the Intro Class Sifu informed us of what Tai Chi was and how he came to practice the art. He then questioned us about our expectations. After a brief instructional period, we discussed cost and membership. Not once did he pressure us to join. In fact, he actually informed one person that it may not be what they are looking for. He even took my financial situation into consideration, and only wanted to know if I was serious, and when I wanted to begin. It was at that moment I knew I found what I was looking for, not only in Tai Chi, but at Columbia Tai Chi center.
Since becoming a student of Tai Chi, I have not had one headache. Smoking cessation is still a challenge, however I feel I have better control over the smoking, and I am another step closer to quitting. Before the class I had been sluggish and tired most days, my leg would fall asleep after long periods of sitting, and I also suffered from a mild form of restless leg syndrome. My leg rarely shakes (as noticed by my wife), my leg no longer falls asleep with prolonged sitting, and I have more energy. I also have the ability to think more clearly, which is hard to explain, however my thoughts are less “congested” for lack of a better word.
Overall, I would recommend Tai Chi to the world, however, only at the time they are ready. It takes patience, humility, and dedication —dedication that I am still attempting to find myself. But the only way to fail is to stop; a philosophy I have always taught, and one that I am now being reminded of by Sifu regularly.
Thanks Columbia Tai Chi Center!!!