Energetic Life

These are times when we often wish we had more time. We often feel rushed, and we can barely enjoy our time with our loved ones the way we should.

A small change in focus may help you feel differently. Instead of time, I’d like to suggest that you place your focus on energy.

According to Tai-Chi principle, it is all about energy. Even if you have all the time in the world, if you have no energy, you can’t get anything done. However, we have all experienced days where we were so full of energy we felt we were on top of the world. Even when we had little time, we didn’t feel rushed. We felt it was easy or we enjoyed the challenge.

It is when we are tired and feel we don’t have a lot of energy that we become rushed and irritable. Generosity and love is the last thing we experience. On the other hand, when we are rested and renewed, we start feeling generous and playful again. Stress rolls off our backs when we have energy.

Once we start thinking in terms of energy, our options for solutions open up. The following are a few examples you may want to try.

Keeping the energy in the Dan-tien
When we learn how to fight in Tai-Chi, we learn to bring the energy up into the opponent’s head. As the energy rises to the top, the upper body, then the neck and eventually the head become tense, causing the opponent to become top heavy. The tension in the head and upper body causes them to become easily angry or irritable as well. They become both emotionally and physically unbalanced. On the other hand, we are taught to keep our center in our Dan-Tien (lower abdomen) to make sure we stay balanced. If you feel your head is getting warm, you have too much energy on the top. Relax and make a few deep exhales until you start naturally breathing deeply. If possible, look out into the far distance. You will feel the heat releasing, your head clearing, and your energy level returning. By bringing awareness to your Dan-Tien, the energy will sink into the lower abdominal area, which will energize you. It is better to take small breaks when we first start feeling the fatigue set in, instead of trying regain energy after we feel completely drained.

Gentle, steady slow movement create energy flow
When we stay in one position for long, we start feeling stiff or on the other end of the spectrum, when we rush it causes tension in our body. When our body tenses our movements become restricted. According to Tai-Chi principle, when energy stops flowing, it causes pain. Tension causes energy to stagnate and causes the discomfort in our bodies. This in turn creates irritable moods and more rushing. Who wouldn’t be irritable when you are feeling uncomfortable? Move gently and slowly when you begin to feel this stiffness. As we start making slow and gentle movements, our tension starts to flow out and energy starts flowing again. Try this when you are trying to make a decision and you are stuck. Begin walking around slowly, while looking out, and start stretching your body gently. If you know the Tai-Chi form do the Tai-Chi form. You will notice that your mind softens and becomes flexible again. Smiling is another great way. When your energy is low, you will notice that your face is stiff and feels dead if you try to smile. Smile genuinely so that your smile reaches your eyes and you will feel the energy starting to flow and you will feel happier. This is because the smile opens energy meridians throughout your body that reach your head and your heart. Soft muscles and fluid movement are key.

Intention leads Energy
Thinking is very important to energy. In Tai-chi principle, it is said that intention leads energy. This means where ever our thoughts go, our energy goes. I read an article once that negative thoughts consume 25% more oxygen. Our brain weighs about 2~3lb. For most of us, it is not even 1% of our weight. Yet it uses about 20% of our oxygen. It is an oxygen hog. Inefficient use of our mind causes a lot of energy drainage. We all know that when we have negative emotions we feel physically drained. Tai-Chi principle also explains that the environment around us affects our energy level. Read, watch, and listen to things that bring you more energy. Go to places or set up your environment in such a way that you feel more energy. One easy way to do this is to set up brighter lights. Also, work your intent so that you help yourself out. When we learn Tai-chi fighting principles, we learn that when our mind works against us, our mind is working for our opponent. When there is a fight, often times it doesn’t go the way we want it. We have to set our intent to work for us. When the opponent hits you and you beat yourself up for not being good enough or making a mistake, you are just cheering on for the other side on.

Relaxation increases Energy
When it comes to Tai-Chi, of course, we have to talk about relaxing. When we relax and let go of our tense muscles, our energy consumption goes down. That itself gives us a lot more energy. As a matter of fact, if you relax sufficiently, you will notice you will be warmer through out the winter. Try this. When you step out into the cold and have the urge to shrink, instead, exhale, relax and stand tall. Imagine your body is getting taller, getting longer in all directions. The elongation sensation is that of your muscles getting longer, which is relaxing them. Then visually focus on one point in the distance while relaxing your eyes. This will engage your peripheral vision and allow your body to relax even more deeply. You will feel a lot less cold, and for some of you, you will even feel warm.

Fuel is energy
Keep snacks around you when you start feeling stressed. Instead of eating big meals a few times a day, graze. According to Tai-Chi principle, a steady flow of energy that keeps flowing through your body is better than accumulating big amounts of energy and then using it up. Of course make sure it is good fuel.
Hot water is another great source of energy. Heat is energy. The heat opens your body and promotes circulations. This opens up your body and brings clarity of mind.
Even if hot water is not available, drinking lots of water will keep your body soft and flexible (try stretching before drinking water when you are dehydrated, and then after drinking 2 or 3 cups of water. You will notice a big difference), help you have better skin, keep your brain from over heating, have better circulation, cleaner blood and urine … the benefits are endless. I think we only need to remember that over 70% of our body is water.
Last, breath in Tai-Chi is considered a fuel. Think about what happens if you stop breathing. Not good. When stressed, do a 10 count inhale, and then a 10 count exhale, where you take a pause in the breath after each count. You will feel a lot calmer and a lot more energy afterwards.

These are some of the principles and tools from the SUN-SHEN Tai-Chi system to give you some ideas to raise your energy and mood. You may have noticed that everything is connected to energy and the application of these principles is really limitless. Instead of looking at the clock, change your focus to energy. You cannot increase the amount of time you have, but you can increase energy. By simply keeping your awareness on energy, you can change the quality of your life. A little bit here and there could add up to a lot.

We wish you a warmer and more playful winter and a Great Holiday!

Sang

Copyright © 2010 SUN-SHEN School of Internal Martial Arts, Ann Arbor: Tai Chi for Joy!