In your previous tip, I talked about the importance
of always remaining a student. No matter how competent
or expert you become, there is always more to learn.
Even though I've learned a lot over the years, and like
to teach and share the things I think can be helpful to
you, I am acutely aware of how much more there is to
learn. More to read, more to experiment with and try...it's
a never ending cycle.
I'm always happy to hear from others who teach and share
in the same general areas of fitness, health and improving
personal power.
It''s interesting to me to hear about the different
approaches people take. But my sense is we often adhere
to many of the same fundamental principles.
Here are a few people I have heard from recently - I
think you will benefit from their concise but very
practical advice:
Karen,
I am a massage therapist as well as a Tai Chi instructor
for almost 19 years. I have been listening to your practical
words of wisdom for the past year or so. Breath to me is the
bottom line to self awareness. My classes are geared toward
beginners. Learning Tai Chi can be a slow process; breath
work however brings a surprising opening to the connection
to our body. Everyone feels safe to begin with their own
breath. I truly love to see a countenance change which
then inspires perseverance; it makes for a fun class.
Well any way I mostly wanted to thank you for finding such
a way to share your knowledge.
Sincerely,
Nan
KVN: Thanks for your message, Nan. I agree wholeheartedly
with your with your having your students focus on their
breath as one of the foundations of your tai chi practice.
Usually, when learning tai chi, the student is so focused
on learning how to do the movements, and they do not yet
have the feeling for internal energy. It can take quite
some time working with the movements before you truly begin
to benefit from the energy flows. The breathing can help
shorten this process - and, as you know, the breathing
in and of itself provides its own rewards.
Hi Karen,
I always enjoy your thoughts. As I remind my stress management
clients, we are human beings, not human doings. Sometimes we
just need to "be".
Blessings,
Barbara
KVN: Great advice, Barbara. We so often define ourselves by our
roles in life, or by what we do, or by what we have achieved.
Taking the time to just "be", as you suggest, is a great
way to get in touch with the person you really are, and
what is really meaningful to you.
Karen,
I've been in breathing, exercise, etc. for years and I love
your stuff! Keep up the good work.
Robbie
KVN: Thank you Robbie! Thanks for taking the time to write
(and read), I appreciate it.
Well, that's it for today. Have a great holiday!!
You Can Do It!
Karen Van Ness
http://www.OvercomeAsthma.com
P.S. Did you know you can expand yourself mentally,
emotionally and physically through your breathing? Devote
just a little bit of focused, discipline time on your
breathing, and you will amaze yourself at just how
much resilience, stamina, and inner fortitude you actually
have. To learn how to improve and focus your breathing
and energy, get a copy of the Secret Power of Dynamic Energy
Exercise Course, Volume II. This course contains the core
set of exercises I used to help overcome asthma. You can
read more about it at
http://www.overcomeasthma.com/dynamic_energy2.html
Copyright, KVN Enterprises, Inc. 2008
**The contents of this daily email are not to be considered
as medical advice. Always consult a physician before
beginning or changing any health or fitness regimen.**
