Tai Chi

Look, and it can't be seen.

Listen, and it can't be heard.

Reach, and it can't be grasped.

Above, it isn't bright.

Below, it isn't dark.

Seamless, unnamable,

it returns to the realm of nothing.

Form that includes all forms,

image without an image,

subtle, beyond all conception.

Approach it and there is no beginning;

follow it and there is no end.

You can't know it, but you can be it,

at ease in your own life.

Just realize where you come from:

this is the essence of wisdom.

- Tao Te Ching, by Lao-tzu

In Lao-Tsu's Tao Te Ching, he is describing the tao, another name for chi. How do you think his description can relate to the practice of Tai Chi? What is the purpose of the chi? Is it a concept to which you are able to relate?

I will finish this later...

Walking Meditation

"An early morning walk is a blessing for the whole day."
- Henry David Thoreau

What part of walking meditation did you enjoy? What was challenging? Is this something you think you will be able to use in the future?

I really loved walking meditation. I absolutely love being outdoors, and I really enjoyed being able to do the class at the Botanical Gardens. I think that being outside is meditative enough just by being able to enjoy the fresh air, but I loved being able to walk around and enjoy all of the beautiful nature and just kind of escape from the hustle and bustle of a normal day in class. The only thing that was really challenging was turning in and only focusing on breathing and enjoying the scenery with all the loud, little kids running around. It really helped though by putting my fingers up to my ears to block sound, and then just listen to my breath. I also kind of did a rhythm with my breathing and walking: inhale for four steps, then exhale for four steps. This method really helped me to just focus and let go of my stress. I really hope to use this in the future just by maybe taking a short little walk in the evening or something when I'm getting stressed.

Yoga

"Man has no Body distinct from his Soul; for that called Body is a portion of Soul discerned by the five Senses, the chief inlets of Soul in this age."

- William Blake

Is yoga mind body consciousness or exercise? What part of the class seemed the most satisfying? Did you feel a state of meditation?

I absolutely love yoga! Yoga is a great form of exercise, which is one reason why I do it, but it's also much more than that. It really is a way to work on mind-body consciousness and a way to sort of "get away". It really makes me feel better and helps me get started with my day. Relaxation yoga is also really great to let go and do more meditating and relaxing. I really loved using the bolsters and laying on top of them holding them; it was really comforting and felt amazing, which is probably why I sleep like that at night. I could definitely feel myself relaxing and starting to go into a meditative state. I could stay like that for a very long time, and I definitely was not ready for class to end...