Tai Chi Books
Shambhala Publications Inc T'ai Chi Classics: Illuminating the Ancient
Book SynopsisAn essential guide for T?ai Chi practitioners of all skill levels with an overview of basic principles and commentary on three classic internal martial arts texts According to Master Liao, the great power of T?ai Chi cannot be realized without knowing its inner meaning. T?ai Chi Classics presents the inner meaning and techniques of T?ai Chi movements through translations of three core classics of T?ai Chi, often considered the ?T?ai Chi Bible?. Divided into three chapters, the guide explains how to increase inner energy(ch?i), transform it into inner power(jing), and project this inner power outward to repel an opponent without physical contact. Master Liao also provides a description of the entire sequence of T?ai Chi movements, illustrated by his own line drawings.
£16.99
YMAA Publication Center Tai Chi Push Hands: The Martial Foundation of Tai
Book SynopsisPush Hands is the “other” part of tai chi that makes your practice a true living art Tai chi push hands practice is a necessary next step for tai chi practitioners who wish to make their art come alive. Push hands practice requires two people to engage in a variety of “light touch” moving and walking routines. By practicing these movements, practitioners begin to develop tai chi’s sensing, listening, and yielding skills. Combined, these skills are the first step for developing your tai chi as a martial art. The Dao De Jing classic reminds us that knowing others (an opponent) is important for knowing ourselves. By develop tai chi push hand skills, one begins to obtain a profound sense of feeling of your own body and mind. This ability aids greatly in regulating and controlling body, balance, health, perseverance, compassion, and overall spirit. It is no mistake that tai chi offers a lifetime of continued learning and progress; the goal is a deep understanding of yourself and your role in nature. In this book, you will learn The theory of tai chi pushing hands Tai chi qigong foundation practice Tai chi jing (power) practice Two-person stationary push hands practice Two-person moving push hands practice Tai chi rollback and press push hands practice International standard push hands routine Two-person free style push hands Martial art applications in tai chi push hands practice Dr. Yang reminds us “tai chi chuan was created based on the martial applications which were used for self-defense. Every movement of tai chi chuan has its unique martial purpose. Without this martial root, tai chi chuan practice will limited to a dance, lacking a deeper meaning or a deeper feeling.” This book is complemented by two companion videos sold separately. Tai Chi Pushing Hands 1 - Yang Style Single and Double Pushing Hands Tai Chi Pushing Hands 2 - Yang Style Single and Double Pushing Hands Available wherever DVD and Streaming videos are sold.Trade ReviewAfter reading the book, I realize the brilliance of the authors and highly recommend this book to anyone who either wants to learn Tai Chi Push Hands or deepen their knowledge of their practice of Tai Chi Chuan. —VioletLeeTaiChi.comTable of ContentsChapter 1: Theory of Taiji Pushing Hands Introduction About Pushing Hands Taiji Pushing Hands Training Contents Rooting, Uprooting and Centering Yin and Yang, Insubstantial and Substantial Six Turning Secrets of Taijiquan Chapter 2. Taiji Qigong Practice – Foundation Introduction Rooting Centering (Central Equilibrium) Heng and Ha Sounds Qigong Martial Grand Qi Circulation Taiji Ball Qigong Taiji Yin/Yang Symbol Sticking Hands Training Chapter 3. Taiji Jing Practice Introduction Injury Prevention Basic Jings for Taijiquan Pushing Training Coiling and Spiraling Training Listening and Following Training Controlling Jing Training Borrowing Jing Training Chapter 4. Single/Double Pushing Hands Training Introduction Stationary Single Pushing Hands Moving Single Pushing Hands Stationary Double Pushing Hands Moving Double Pushing Hands Peng/Lü/Ji/An International Double Pushing Hands Chapter 5. Taiji Rollback/Press Pushing Hands Training Introduction Small Rollback and Press Large Rollback and Press Mixed Rollback and Press Training Cai/Lie/Zhou/Kao International Routine Free Style Moving Pushing Hands Chapter 6. Examples of Martial Applications in Taiji Pushing Hands Introduction Kicking in Taiji Pushing Hands Striking in Taiji Pushing Hands Wrestling in Taiji Pushing Hands Controlling in Taiji Pushing Hands Chapter 7. Conclusion Appendix Translations and Glossary of Chinese Terms Index
£19.79
YMAA Publication Center Qigong Grand Circulation For Spiritual
Book SynopsisQigong Grand Circulation is an ancient path toward spiritual enlightenment. Spiritual enlightenment is a uniquely human endeavor; a universal and timeless quest to understand the mysteries of our lives. Perhaps it began when humans looked at the stars and first felt the enchantment of awe. But today, with all of our comforts and technological advancements, we are not satisfied. Our lives are noisy. Our bodies are under steady assault by pseudo-foods, poisons, and sedentary lifestyles. Our spirit is chaotic, competing with dogma and fear. We struggle to unplug, to disconnect, to deeply relax. The search for spiritual development has never been more urgent. Qigong helps us to consider and unify the mind, body, and spirit. This book provides traditional and modern scientific definitions of Qi and offers qigong practices to guide you on a path toward spiritual growth. Unique to qigong's approach to spiritual enlightenment is the indivisibility of the mind-body-spirit. Training of one of these aspects is the training of all three. Contents include A traditional and modern scientific analysis of Qi Buddhist and Daoist differences in their approach to spiritual qigong training Various breathing techniques Fundamental concepts of Small and Grand Circulation Qigong Muscle/Tendon Change Grand Circulation Qigong Brain/Marrow Washing Small and Grand Circulation Qigong Dr. Yang, Jwing-Ming has once again brought his unique scholarship and experience to write an insightful analysis of this ethereal and profound idea of spiritual enlightenment. His approach has always been to provide the information—a map—for the path.Table of ContentsDedication Editor’s Note Foreword Preface PART I: FOUNDATIONS Chapter1: General Qìgōng Concepts 1.1 Introduction 1.2 What Is Qì? What Is Qìgōng? 1.3 Important Fundamental Concepts 1.4 Body’s Qì Network—Qìgōng Science 1.5 Quantity of Qì and Quality of Qì’s Manifestation 1.6 Five Regulatings 1.7 General Differences between Buddhist and Daoist Qìgōng 1.8 Brief Background of Daoist Qìgōng Practice 1.9 Some Notes about Learning Qìgōng Chapter 2: Fundamental Concepts of Small and Grand Circulations 2.1 Introduction 2.2 Definitions and Purposes of Small Circulation and Grand Circulation 2.3 Contents of Muscle/Tendon Changing Grand Circulation 2.4 Contents of Marrow/Brain Washing Small Circulation 2.5 Contents of Marrow/Brain Washing Grand Circulation 2.6 Recovery from the Meditative State PART II: MUSCLE/TENDON CHANGING GRAND CIRCULATION Chapter 3: Muscle/Tendon Changing Grand Circulation 3.1 Introduction 3.2 Girdle (Belt) Vessel Breathing—Enhance Immune System 3.3 Turtle Shell Breathing—Iron Shirt 3.4 Twelve Meridian Grand Circulation—Regulate Qì 3.5 Four Gates Breathing— 3.6 Martial Grand Circulation—Power and Endurance 3.7 Joint Breathing—Loosen and Relax the Body 3.8 Skin/Marrow Breathing (Body Breathing)—Enhance the Immune System 3.9 Internal Organs Breathing—Foundation of Life 3.10 Other Dual Circulation (with Human) 3.11 Qì Exchange with Nature PART III: MARROW/BRAIN WASHING SMALL AND GRAND CIRCULATIONS Chapter 4: Scientific Foundation of Brain Washing Qìgōng 4.1 Review of Ancient Chinese Qìgōng Understanding 4.2 Scientific Foundations and Interpretations 4.3 Ancient Practice and Guidelines for Practicing Today Chapter 5: Marrow/Brain Washing Small Circulation 5.1 Introduction 5.2 Marrow/Brain Washing Small Circulation and Its Applications Chapter 6: Marrow/Brain Washing Grand Circulation 6.1 Introduction 6.2 Marrow Washing Grand Circulation 6.3 Ground Gate Grand Circulation Breathing 6.4 Heaven Gate Grand Circulation Breathing 6.5 Heaven/Ground Gates Grand Circulation 6.6 Buddhahood Grand Circulation (Spiritual Immortality) 6.7 Recovery from the Meditative State PART IV: COMBINATION OF MUSCLE/TENDON CHANGING AND MARROW/BRAIN WASHING GRAND CIRCULATIONS Chapter 7: Combined Practice of Muscle/Tendon Changing and Marrow/Brain Washing Grand Circulations 7.1 Introduction 7.2 Leading Qì Downward—Prevent High Blood Pressure, Headache, and Insomnia 7.3 Rooting Training/Five Gates Breathing 7.4 SexualEnergyCultivation PART V: CONCLUSIONS Chapter 2: Conclusions 8.1 Introduction 8.2 Past, Present, and Future Acknowledgements Appendix: Translation and Glossary of Chinese Terms Index About the Author
£31.49
YMAA Publication Center Tai Chi Concepts and Experiments: Hidden
Book SynopsisThe Tai Chi Concepts and Experiments book clarifies and makes accessible critical aspects of the art that only a small number of high-level practitioners currently understand and manifest. Numerous step-by-step experiments are provided for readers to experience and perfect these critical tai chi aspects. Contents include: The meaning and importance of releasing tension in movement for stability, health, and spirituality. The differences between contractive and expansive strength including a promising mechanism for the nature of expansive strength. Numerous experiments for readers to recognize and experience expansive strength and to confirm that they have achieved it. Elucidation of famous master’s sayings on mind, strength, and chi. Health and martial advantages of expansion over contraction in tai chi. Protocols using expansion including those for helping an excess curvature of the upper and lower spine and for relieving plantar fasciitis. Quotes from the classics and how they confirm the interpretations of the principles of tai chi. How to achieve optimal balance through an understanding of physical, anatomical, physiological, and mental factors. A detailed analysis of “rooting and redirecting” including physical and internal aspects. Understanding natural movement from physical, philosophical, health, and martial points of view. This interdisciplinary book utilizes, elementary physics, physiology, anatomy, psychology, and spirituality. It contains detailed analyses and explanations for achieving internal, expansive strength, known as nei jin, and for attaining optimal timing and natural movement.Trade ReviewAWARDS WINNER—2021, Sports, Best Books Award "Robert Chuckrow has demonstrated a determination and commitment to understanding the depth of martial arts practice. He establishes a recognition and appreciation for those that have shared knowledge with him, and the willingness to share and contribute his understanding to others. The wisdom of martial arts is sometimes difficult to uncover. Often, it is only appreciated and awakened through overcoming adversity and ‘paying your dues.’ I hope that, as Robert Chuckrow, Ph.D. shares his experience through this book, as well as his teaching, it will inspire current practitioners and future generations, and provide insight to recognize and discern where to find clarity along their path. Robert Chuckrow sets an example of how to grow your personal practice through contributing to the greater martial arts community. I wish you all a wonderful journey while exploring this book and success in your study of martial arts!” — Grandmaster Sam F.S. Chin, Honorary Professor Emeritus, Founder of Zhong Xin Dao, Gatekeeper of I Liq Chuan, Author of I Liq Chuan – Martial Art of Awareness and I Liq Chuan System Guide and many DVDs "It’s my great pleasure to recommend his latest book on Tai Chi by my friend and Tai Chi classmate. Dr. Chuckrow is a Tai Chi devotee who keeps on studying and learning. As a Western scientist he delves deeply into the esoteric jargon, principles and teachings of Tai Chi and reinterprets these for Westerners.” — Lawrence Galante, PhD, author of Tai Chi for the Supreme Ultimate, director of The Center for Holistic Arts NYC, Professor SUNY University, NYC "Robert Chuckrow offers his enlightening wisdom and educated perspective on the paradoxes of T’ai Chi in his latest work. [This book] resolves so many nagging questions that all beginners have and offers many new tools for instructors to share this venerated art. It’s a must-read work for T’ai Chi practitioners of every level,” — Gene Ching, 32nd generation disciple of Shaolin Temple, author of Shaolin Trips, publisher of Kung Fu Magazine "Reading Professor Chuckrow’s book proves that efficient movement is efficient movement, no matter if it’s done in Tai Chi or Kodokan Judo. One comment that Professor Chuckrow made was “…wasteful movement is unnatural.” This, in a nutshell, also describes what we do in judo. Another nugget of practical wisdom is “…moving efficiently, using the smallest possible movements provide and advantage.” One would think that this came out of a judo book. Again, proving that efficient movement is efficient movement, no matter the context. It is a distinct pleasure and an honor to offer my endorsement for Professor Robert Chuckrow’s book." — Steve Scott, Author of The Judo Advantage, Juji Gatame Encyclopedia, and Sambo Encyclopedia among others "What a generous gift to share with the world! It breathes a lifetime of passionate dedication and desire to comprehend beyond borders, until the very last page. May many, many people find their way to reading this book, and take these findings in ongoing formation to new, wonderful understandings for next generations.” — Thomas Körtvélyessy, choreographer, MFA, certified master teacher of Kinetic Awareness®, board of directors Kinetic Awareness® Center, executor Artistic Estate of Elaine Summers "I was immediately impressed with Robert Chuckrow’s approach to the soft style arts. In the beginning of the book, Dr. Chuckrow’s discussion of expansive strength versus contractive strength was immediately useful to me in my daily practice. Every chapter that followed presented new insights and ideas that I had not considered before, as well as exercises and experiments that helped me experience them directly. A valuable addition to any martial arts library.” — Joe Varady, author of The Art and Science of Staff Fighting and The Art and Science of Stick Fighting "Robert Chuckrow is a teacher and a scientist who comprehends and synthesizes what he learns. He then shares it for the benefit of others. He couples his knowledge of physics with his T’ai-Chi skills, and the result enables the reader to understand this art more clearly. People learn T’ai Chi for different reasons, some do T’ai Chi for years without understanding much of what they do, they will miss the wondrous benefits that a deeper study will offer. This book will take you further along this path. “ — Ken Van Sickle, Tai Chi Master in the lineage of Cheng Man-ch'ing, Professor Emeritus (cinematography) N.Y.U. 1980s Table of ContentsDedication Acknowledgments Author’s Background Author’s Note Introduction CHAPTER 1: Relax Cheng Man-ch’ing Yang Cheng-fu The Meaning of Relax Attaining Sung The Importance of Releasing Tension in Doing T’ai Chi Movement Push-Hands A Seeming Contradiction Shedding Some Light on the No-Strength Paradox CHAPTER 2: Expansive Strength Background The Current View of Muscular Action Differences Between Contractive and Expansive Strength Some Experiential Evidence for Expansive Strength (Experiments You Can Do) A Promising Mechanism for Expansive Strength CHAPTER 3: Swimming on Land Professor Cheng’s Advice My Initial Skepticism My Eventual Realization The Mental Aspect “Zombie-Style T’ai Chi” Swimming on Land is Only a Tool for Recognizing Chin CHAPTER 4: Elucidation of Famous Masters’ Sayings on Strength Li, Chin, and Nei Chin Ch’i, Breath, and Internal and External Strength An Analysis of Cheng Man-ch’ing’s Distinction Between Two Different Types of Strength An Attempt to Further Elucidate What Professor Cheng Wrote An Analysis of Yang Cheng-fu’sCommentary on Strength Breath and the Tan T’ien Health Aspects Martial Aspects Mind, Breath, Ch’i, and Strength Summary CHAPTER 5: Advantages of Expansion Over Contraction in T’ai Chi Briskness of Regulation of Strength Compared for Both Types of Strength Alertness Endurance and Health Benefits Leverage and Fine-Motor Control Developing Bodily Unification Educating Bioelectrical Pathways Deception in Self-Defense CHAPTER 6: Health Protocols Using Expansion Expansion for Reeducating Upper-Back Alignment Expansion for Reeducating the Lower Back Improving the Cervical Spine Using Slow, Relaxed Movement Expansion for Relieving Plantar Fasciitis CHAPTER 7: Balance Gravity Leg Strength and Mobility Finding the Centers of the Feet Knee, Ankle, Arch Alignment Center of Mass Balance Experiments Vision Other Factors CHAPTER 8: An Analysis of “Rooting and Redirecting” Conditions for Optimal Stability Internal Aspects CHAPTER 9: Natural Movement Understanding Natural Movement Elements of Natural Movement Independence of Movement Reasons for Studying Natural Movement Examples of Unnatural Movement Tools for Studying Natural Movement Some Basic Physics Concepts Animate and Inanimate Natural Movement CHAPTER 10: Stepping Like a Cat T’ai-Chi Stepping Yinand Yang Weight Transfer Difficulties in Stepping Like a Cat Order of Stepping: Heel First, Toe First, or Whole Foot? Practicing Stepping to the Side Using a Movement From the T’ai-Chi Form Stepping Naturally The Swing of the Rear Leg During Stepping Forward The Swing of the Forward Leg During Stepping Forward Stepping at the Right Moment Experiments for Attaining Proper Stepping Swing of the Arms During Walking CHAPTER 11: Periodic Movement and Timing Periodic Motion Periodic Motion Terms Driven Periodic Motion Linear, Driven, Horizontal Periodic Motion (“Withdraw and Push”) Analysis of the Motion in “Withdraw and Push” Importance of Timing of “Withdraw and Push” Circular Motion of Right Arm in “Single Whip” Centrifugal Effect Centrifugal Effect with Gravity Conical Pendulum “Swinging” About a Vertical Axis, Arms Swinging Side-to-Side Benefits of “Swinging” Fa Chin T’i Fang CHAPTER 12: Additional Physical Concepts Constraints Rolling Without Slipping CHAPTER 13: A Clarification of “Secret” Teachings Revealed by Cheng Man-ch’ing Basic Concepts Neutralizing Attacking Yearning K. Chen ‘s Alternative Way of Deflecting an Attack In Conclusion CHAPTER 14: Non-Intention, Intention, and “a Hand is Not a Hand” Non-Intention The Mental Transmission of Intention “A Hand is Not a Hand” The Transmission of Intention Over a Distance CHAPTER 15: Maximizing Your Progress in T’ai Chi Studying T’ai-Chi Obstacles to Learning T’ai-Chi Dealing with Obstacles Dangers of Overusing Images in Movement Arts Validating Your Progress CHAPTER 16: Perspectives on T’ai Chi Internal Versus External Martial Arts Lifting Versus Lowering Empty / Full, Yin/ YangParadox Some Variations of the T’ai-Chi Symbol T’ai Chi “Weapons” Misinterpretations The Yang Long Form and Professor Cheng’s Short Form The Popularization of T’ai Chi Afterword Appendix 1. Basics of Vector Addition Appendix 2. Analysis of Forces in Rooting Appendix 3. Analysis of Swing of Hanging Rods About the Author Bibliography Index
£25.19
YMAA Publication Center Tai Chi for Depression: A 10-Week Program to
Book SynopsisThis book is designed to help readers understand depression and make positive changes to overcome it. Dr. Aihan Kuhn teaches a unique tai chi form that combines elements of Chen and Yang styles as well as qigong and meditation. The form is easy to learn, easy to remember, and easy to practice. Dr. Kuhn’s multidisciplinary approach to mental health also focuses on positive thought, a healthy diet, and self-confidence. Perfect for beginners and experienced practitioners alike. The circular movements create better energy flow in the body. The martial character empowers the mind, strengthens the body, improves stamina, and increases self-esteem. Slow, symmetrical movements promote balance and calm. This book features: Detailed instructions and photos describing Dr. Kuhn’s 16-step tai chi form Personal reflections on using tai chi to overcome depression A 10-week plan to help readers begin their journey to wellness With this book you will: Learn about the clinical features of depression Learn Dr. Kuhn’s 16-step tai chi form Discover the psychological, emotional, and physical benefits of tai chi Begin a holistic approach to managing mental health “When I was just starting out as a doctor, my focus was mainly on treating disease,” Dr. Kuhn writes. “Now my focus is on teaching people how to prevent disease and treating patients in the early stages of their illness so they can avoid additional problems.”
£26.59
Aeon Books Ltd The Tai Chi Space: How to Move in Tai Chi and Qi
Book SynopsisThis pictorial guide with supporting text is the first of its kind, illuminating the fundamentals of the arts of tai chi and qi gong through metaphor and visuals that are easy to understand.Beginning students will learn basic principles in a simple format, while experienced stylists will discover nuances that shed light on the secrets of deep, internal, and energetic training that powers the well-documented health and healing benefits of the arts.Trade Review'Paul Cavel is a gifted teacher who is able to embody the arts and break them down into easy-to-follow steps. I have seen him help others build extraordinary energetic foundations in their bodies. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking to learn or deepen the internal principles that give shape to tai chi and qi gong forms.'-Tai Chi Master and author Bruce Frantzis'Metaphors, images and symbols are the language of our subconscious minds. They help to convey meaning to our consciousness and hence store in the memory quite easily and naturally. If they are chosen well, they are able to penetrate the deeper layers of our consciousness and trigger the deeply imprinted wisdom of our body. The images Paul offers can shorten the process of transmitting information, enhance our learning and awaken our bodily intelligence. This way of teaching requires a very deep level of understanding of the material and, indeed, of human nature itself. Paul obviously has both.'-From the Foreword by Dr Michael MettnerTable of ContentsAbout the Author About the Artist Acknowledgements Foreword by Michael Mettner Introduction All Forms Are Not Created Equal Myth Is an Image Journey towards Unity Through the Eyes of the Ancients How Principles Are Presented Three Stages for Embodying Internal Principles Why Use Tai Chi Postures? Visual Lexicon Who Can Benefit from This Book? Creating a Practice Microcosm Part 1 Fundamental Principles: Nuts and Bolts Principle 1: Cultivate the Arts Separate and Combine Cyclic Training Principle 2: The Rule of Third Principle 3: Become Sung Principle 4: Build the Pyramid of Giza 11 Steps to Good Posture Principle 5: Breathe with the Diaphragm Principle 6: The Mind's Focus Principle 7: Grow Your Root Phase 1: Plant Your Feet and Sink Your Qi Phase 2: Release Tension to Develop Your Root Principle 8: Moving in Three-Dimensional Space Principle 9: Arms Are Led by Hands and Wrists Principle 10: Create Circular Motion Principle 11: Water Doesn't Flow through a Kinked Hose Principle 12: Shifting Weight Is Like Walking Upstairs Principle 13: The Body Turns Like a Revolving Door Principle 14: The Down Creates the Up Principle 15: Move Like a Puppet on a String Principle 16: Don't Play the Juggler The Five Primary Principles Part 2 Internal Principles for Connectivity and Flow Principle 17: Warm Up Body and Mind Beginning Form Principle 18: The Body Operates Like the Powertrain of a Car Peng (Ward Off) Principle 19: Soften to Close, Release to Open Lu (Roll Back) and Ji (Press) Principle 20: The Body Makes Use of Anchors An (Push) Principle 21: Opposites Spread Open the Body Single Whip Principle 22: Grow Like a Tree Lift Hands Principle 23: The Six Connections Shoulder Strike Principle 24: Tune in to Heaven Above and Earth Below White Crane Spreads Its Wings Principle 25: Create Balanced Openings Brush Knee Principle 26: The Continuum of Empty versus Full Play Guitar (Play the Lute) Principle 27: All Body Parts Move Like a Swiss Clock Step Forward, Parry and Punch Principle 28: Balance Yin and Yang Energies Apparent Close Up Principle 29: The Body Moves in Circles Cross Hands Part 3 Deeper Principles for Fluidity and Energy Development Principle 30: Generate Internal Momentum Embrace the Tiger, Return to the Mountain Principle 31: Turbine Power Eradicates Inertia Fist under Elbow Principle 32: Swing the Pendulum Repulse Monkey Principle 33: Spring the Five Bows Slanted Flying Principle 34: Unify the Yin Snake and the Yang Crane White Crane Spreads Its Wings Principle 35: Sinking Creates Rising Needle at Sea Bottom and Fan through Back Principle 36: Energy Moves Fluids, Fluids Nourish the Body Turn and Chop with the Fist Principle 37: Balance the Sphere Lu and Ji Principle 38: Become a Sandbag Single Whip Principle 39: Ride the Wave Waving Hands Like Clouds Principle 40: Moving into Stillness Single Whip Principle 41: Gather and Bank Closing Form Principle 42: Postures Link into Fluid Forms Afterword Blood and Qi Are Inseparable The Fabric of the Internal Arts Practicalities To Advance, First Retreat Moving towards the Tai Chi Space References
£18.04
Hawthorn Press Finding Quiet Strength: Emotional Intelligence,
Book SynopsisFinding Quiet Strength (FQS) is a practical philosophy that connects to both ancient wisdom and modern neuroscience. Judith’s work enables a calm, confident, and coordinated approach to life, helping us to be centred, grounded and develop a sense of poise and equilibrium. At some point, most of us need help with the challenges of life. FQS is a practice of being present in a way that develops our emotional intelligence and embodied awareness enabling us to navigate the many ups and downs of being human. The work helps us to develop a deep and gentle self-acceptance. Through this self-acceptance, FQS helps us work on an embodied resilience and become more aware of what we can let go of and change. A core element of this work is inspired by F.M. Alexander’s principles of inhibition and direction, stopping, thinking and connecting. With practice, we can take a moment to pause and consider how we might be limiting ourselves and begin to notice the interconnection of our mindset with our bodies. Often the patterns of worrying and anxiety that we embody can be below our conscious radar and can start to limit the joy, peace and ease which we find when we feel in charge of ourselves. Finding Quiet Strength integrates Alexander’s discoveries with Chi Kung and Tai Chi. These ancient traditions help us recognise the signals of threat that trigger old patterns of defence and fear and restore us to a sense of being centred and to regain conscious control. FQS works on the relationship between thinking in stillness and thinking in activity to find a sense of wholeness in whatever we do so we can feel at home with ourselves in all situations and our lives can become more joyful.Trade Review'When societal expectations encourage our girls to make themselves smaller to fit in and be accepted, we need to show them how to stand tall and own their space. We need to help them to feel at home in their bodies, to feel confident in who they are. We need to guide them towards finding quiet strength. Only when we allow this shift to happen can we move closer to a more gender equal society.' Abi Wright, founder of She Stands and co-founder of Festival of The Girl: 'I learned a lot from working with Judith Kleinman. She was able to locate in me a stillness and equilibrium I didn't know I had, and that has stood me in good stead for all the vicissitudes of work and domestic life.' Nick Hornby - Author : 'I love Judith's work. The drawings, words and thoughts are just lovely - their message is as calming as it is bursting with positive ideas. Easy to dip into yet rewarding to read, there are some great tools for life in this book.' Arabella Weir - Actor, comedian and writer : 'Her natural facility and fluid figurative lines express movement in the body but also the feelings inside. Some drawings feature unusual and unexpected balancing acts absorbed by quiet strength. Sometimes funny and at times autobiographical but always positive with a message of well-being.' Michelle Franklin - Artist : 'This work has taught me over the years that the very first, and by no means easy task is to notice what's going on inside the body/mind rather than rushing to change anything. This is a profound principle, which counteracts the rather ferocious demand to change our age-old bad habits. As a psychotherapist I get excited every time patients discover for themselves that being able to pay attention to unhelpful patterns is already a sign of change. This work and psychoanalysis have in common that both make us aware of our embodied self in its spatial and temporal dimensions, which connects us to our fellow humans and the world around us. In other words, moving and being moved physically and emotionally starts from a place of stillness. So, this is also a grateful testimony to Judith Kleinman, my teacher of many years, who has taught me - in more than one way - to 'sit well' with myself and my patients.' Lotte Bredt, MBACP counsellor and psychotherapistTable of ContentsContents Foreword 4 Who this book is for 9 Introduction and welcome 11 Calm: The embodied mind 19 Confidence: Structure and breath 41 Coordinated movement: The embodied sense of movement and ease 87 Curiosity: Integrating our senses 123 Creativity and purpose: Empowering our energy 147 Courage and conclusion: A quiet revolution 155
£20.40
Aeon Books Ltd Tai Chi for Schools: A Guide for Teachers,
Book SynopsisTai Chi is a form exercise which has the potential to massively improve wellbeing for children. Whether it be to help with their concentration, awareness of their bodies, or help them develop their imaginative consciousness and explore their inner world, Tai Chi has a wealth of benefits, which are just as useful to children as adults. In his new book, aimed at practitioners and parents, Phillip Wright will enlighten readers to the wealth of benefits which Tai Chi can offer. Tai Chi for Schools is a book designed to show teachers how to use this fantastic mode of exercise to support children as part of the school curriculum, in class or at home.Trade Review“Inspiring, practical, comprehensive: this book is the perfect ‘go to’ for any teacher wanting to learn Tai Chi principles and include them in the school day. With clear, informative photographs and easily accessible text this book is a priceless resource with a fantastic selection of Tai Chi practices and games for KS1 and KS2. Phil’s experience and enthusiasm shines through, as he addresses teachers, parents and Tai Chi practitioners with clarity, sensitivity, and warmth. There should be a well used copy in every school!” Angus Clark, head of Living Movement and honorary president of the Tai Chi Union of Great Britain "The notion of a book to support young people's mental, emotional and physical wellbeing could not have come at a better time. It is essential that we equip young people with a wide range of subject disciplines but also that of strategies to help focus the mind, body and soul. Tai Chi for Schools will help to support many young people in finding their inner strength and peace in the rapidly changing world around them." Emma Kerr, headteacher and primary principal and South West hub primary lead “This book shows the value and impact of introducing Tai Chi to younger children, grounding them in skills for the future. I have been practicing and teaching Tai Chi for over 30 years and still learnt much from Phil’s approach. A must read for schools and Tai Chi teachers alike.” Mark Peters, chairman of the Tai Chi & Qigong Union for Great BritainTable of Contents1. Introduction 2. What is Tai Chi? 3. Preparations 4. Tai Chi body 5. Relaxation 6. Looseness and warming-up 7. Grounding 8. Alignment and balance 9. Centredness and breath 10. Softness and sensitivity 11. Chi or energy 12. Mindfulness in motion 13. Conclusion APPENDIX 1: Tips for teachers APPENDIX 2: Notes for Tai Chi practitioners APPENDIX 3: Notes for parents APPENDIX 4: Resources and bibliography ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS INDEX
£18.99
