I’ve been overweight, battled depression, been misguided, been laid-off, been divorced, and dealt with miserable times.. I realized a positive outcome stems from consistent work. Consistent exercise, consistent environments, consistent passion practice, consistent self-evaluation, and consistent spiritual practice. Hard work pays off! #stayconsistent

Breath in deep from the low abdomen and then up into the chest. Sink the breath back down deep into the low abdomen. Open the eyes wider and raise your spirit. Complete each movement to your fullest capacity before beginning the next movement. Feel all of your body connections completing each other. Connect your mind to your breathing and connect to your movement. Everything is connected.

Correct your alignment, correct your attitude.
The nervous system opens into your eyes and face and is very telling of what emotional state you are in. The spine governs the nervous system, and when your posture is aligned it sends positive signals throughout the entire body. Once endorphins are released, mood feels peaceful and at ease, feelings of appreciation and hopefulness will arise. And alignment can be practiced in every single exercise and action.

The dan tian is your center of gravity. It is an energy field that transforms essence from the atmosphere, the food you eat and energy from your genetics into real energy, or chi. You can grow and develop your dan tian by breathing in fresh oxygen, eating whole foods and water, and practice deep breathing from the dan tian to the top of your spine. It’s free medicine!

The last solar term of Autumn is a good time to enjoy the final burst of color before winter. The atmosphere is in the metal phase and influences the Lung and Large Intestine. Cooked foods nourish the body and enjoy foods that mature in autumn like squash, pumpkin, carrots, sweat potato, barley, rice, ginger, apricot, olives, cardamom, cinnamon, apples and pears. Stay covered from winds that can encourage dry throats and coughing. It is healthy to let go emotional stress and clear spaces to encourage new beginnings. Happy Fall!!

Think of the Yin Yang symbol. Both are an even amount of light and dark, both converge toward each other, help each other and equally necessary for each other. These relationships are followed during a Tai Chi practice. The upper, middle and lower Dan Tian are full and working together. The spine, shoulder and hips are collaborating together. The breath, mind and spirit are following each other. Tai Chi is a living and moving symphony!