One of the more common reasons people give for starting to study Taiji is to offset the effects of stress in their daily lives. This is a realistic possibility since recent studies show that Taiji exercises actually calm the nervous system. The slow-moving, graceful, side to side rhythm of the various postures seem to take the practitioner back to a simpler era when times were calmer and more peaceful. However, to receive the many benefits that Taiji has to offer, there is an understanding that the student must set enough time aside for regular practice as well as class. This implies a certain amount of discipline and time management skills. Let's look at the facts. We all have 168 hours in our week. If we allow 56 hours for sleep that still leaves 112 hours for life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. I advise those who are challenged with finding enough time to train to make a chart of where there time actually goes and them prioritize.

Here is another interesting point. Have you ever been running late for Taiji class and gotten stressed out in traffic trying to get there? Why did you sign up for class? To lower your stress level. Does it make sense to get stress out on the way to learning to lower your stress? The answer to keep from running late is to leave earlier. This again requires planning, discipline, and follow-through.

I am always a little sad when students drop out of class when the reason given is they didn't have enough time. Taiji is a way of life. One of the most challenging things we all face is balancing our time. The time we spend practicing is not only an investment in improving the form, it is an investment in our health. I encourage the reader to think back to the reasons that motivated him or her to start training and see if enough time is being set aside during the week to meet these goals.

Have a great summer,

Tim