Keith Jeffery October 2008
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As in Golf, so in Life
I’ve been golfing a lot recently. Great fun, but every game offers a chance to learn something about life.
When I began golfing in my teens, I understood (incorrectly) that the harder I swung, the harder I tried, the more effort I put into the stroke, the farther the ball would fly. So for 30 years, I swung with gusto, losing balls miles to the left and right. And with an occasional stroke of luck, I hit the fairway.
A few years ago, I began to realize that golf was like life. That timing, flow and softness will usually out distance strength. That “forcing a project to completion ruins what was almost ripe” (Lao Tzu).
So I attempted to incorporate my tai chi into my swing. Graceful, smooth, coordinated, beautiful.
Not as easy as I imagined. At the last minute, my testosterone levels and “hard” approach often take over, forcing swings to the point that I have actually injured myself (tennis elbow).
And worse, I was still very attached to the outcome (did it go where I wanted it to go???), usually looking up prematurely, thereby guaranteeing I would see… a poor shot.
The lessons? My intensely sore elbow now reminds me every time I try too hard.
Just as poor results in my life remind me that I don’t need to push all the time. Seemingly, it is always easier to float downstream than to battle against the current.
And attachment to a certain outcome drags me out of the present and into a speculative future, a future I may not even have.
So these days, I have less attachment to outcome in all areas of my life. I’ll always do my best, but I now endeavor to do so in a calm and present way, enjoying each moment without relying on a certain outcome for satisfaction.
How about you? How can you apply softness, flow and non-attachment to your life?
How do the “hard” emotions like anger, resentment and fear affect the flow of your life?
How will your life improve if you stay focused on the current moment?
Spend a few minutes each morning visualizing a day of softness, flow, ease and peace. In sports, in relationships, in expectations.
Spend a few minutes in silent Tai Chi, yoga or 4 Minute Fitness practice.
Breath deeply, “go with the flow”, enjoy the ride and find unrestrained joy in simple things.
www.EasyTaiChi.com
www.4MinuteFitness.com
~ QUESTION PERIOD ~
Q. Is tai chi a safe exercise for pregnancy?
A. With your health care provider’s permission, (there are some conditions in pregnancy which preclude exercise), tai chi can be terrific during pregnancy!
As a male, I can only go by hearsay and testimonials, but I can tell you that many of my students found tai chi to be a soft, gentle, grounding and connecting form of exercise.
The key is to be very aware of your response to the movement, and discontinue any exercise that causes discomfort. And be less aggressive during the movements.
You might be best to begin with 4 Minute Fitness, in that the movements are easier to learn and practice (faster results), and the affirmations are very beneficial to you and to your baby.
Then begin with Tai Chi for Busy People, a step at a time, no rush. And enjoy the process. Both videos can be purchased together at a special price. (Dynamic Duo)
~ WEIGHT LOSS FACT ~
Obesity rates doubled in 7-13 year old Canadian kids between 1981 and 1996.
Those who most increased their consumption of sweetened soft drinks, iced tea and fruit drinks were most likely to become obese.
Face it, those extra calories have to go somewhere (the tummy, hips, chin…) Source – Lancet 357: 490, 505, 2001
Interested in losing weight? Ready to take effective action? “Easy Weight Loss for Busy People” offers all you need to know.
www.EasyTaiChi.com
www.4MinuteFitness.com
www.EasyTaiChiCORE.com
www.Best-Weight.com
For more information, please contact
Dr. Keith Jeffery at:
1836 Douglas Crescent, Nanoose Bay, B.C. V9P 9C7
Toll free – (866) 682-4244 after 9 am Pacific
Tel (250) 468-9950
fax (250) 468-9910
E-mail: keith@EasyTaiChi.com