Don't Call Me Sifu: Bob Veatch's Tai Chi Blog

Quote of the Day: October 2, 2009

bobveatch — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 18:04:59 +0000

The first step in acquiring wisdom is silence, the second listening, the third memory, the fourth practice, the fifth is teaching others.

– Solomon Ibn Gabriol

Quote of the Day: September 21, 2009

bobveatch — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 14:07:25 +0000

Today’s quote is from the 1970s TV series “Kung Fu”. The line was spoke by the main character,Kwai Chang Caine, played by David Carradine.

“ I seek not to know the answers, but to understand the questions.”

Quote of the Day: September 15, 2009

bobveatch — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 19:31:56 +0000

“You can observe a lot just by watching.”

Yogi Berra, Baseball Great and Modern Zen Master

A Couple of Unexpected Side Effects of Tai Chi Practice

bobveatch — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 19:24:44 +0000

I knew that practice tai chi would have benfical effects on my life. I knew that I’d become stronger and more flexible. I knew that my sense of balance would improve and that I’d be better able to handle stress. I knew that I’d be able to feel the flow of qi around and through me. I knew that I’d experience changes on the spiritual level. But I’ve noticed two unexpected side effects of tai chi practice.

The first is the I move quieter. I have always been and still consider myself a klutz. I’ve always moved with the stealth of a heard of bison. My size thirteen feet have always slapped the floor hard enough that people feel as well as hear my approach. Now I have people saying “I did not hear you come into the room” or “you surprised me…you were so quiet.” I haven’t been trying to be stealthy so I can not attribute the change to tai chi. Yang style “tai chi” walking requires the deliberate placement of the foot before shifting weight. Sun style tai chi incorporates the weight shift and a “quick” follow step. I guess that these principle as effecting my walking stride.

The other side effect is a renewed appreciation of nature. I find myself watching birds in flight, insects on plants, large and small animal in fields. Intellectually I suppose that appreciation is a unintended analysis of their easy of movement. But I wonder if I’m just becoming more connected with the world.

The Old Man With the Cane

bobveatch — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 16:39:13 +0000

In July I purchased a rattan cane with the intention of learning the Yang style “Eight Immortals Cane” form. I have been working with a video by Master Jesse Tsao. Thus far I’m struggling with the form. I’ve also been experimenting with incorporating the cane into Sun style tai chi….with mixed results. But I’ve found that defensive cane is quick and easy to learn. I have a defensive cane video based on hapkido and Irish “whiskey stick dancing.” I’ve added a couple of moves based on western saber and foil fencing. I’ve been following my tai chi practice with a quick cane routine. It makes a nice workout. I don’t carry my cane because I don’t anticipate violence in my life. But one should never look at the use of a cane as a sign of weakness. Or as the Chinese say “Beware of the old man with a cane.”

Quote of the Day: September 14, 2009

bobveatch — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 13:07:05 +0000

“Heaviness is the root of lightness”

Lao Tzu

Quote of the Day: September 11, 2009

bobveatch — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 15:20:47 +0000

“The softest things in the world overcome the hardest things in the world. Through this I know the advantage of taking no action.”

Lao Tzu

The Right to Have Good Health

bobveatch — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 15:38:01 +0000

I listened to President Obama’s address on health care last night. I agree with the President that access to health care is a moral issue and part of the social contract on which our nation is based. But I also think that all people have an inalienable to good health. A good national health care program would further the right to good health.

The sad truth is that all people do not exercise their rights. The right to vote is disregarded by people not voting. The right of free speech is wasted by not taking part in civil discourse. And the right to good health is wasted by people taking it for granted.

Good health is literally a right that must be exercised. I believe that tai chi is the ultimate means of exercising the right to good health. Whether a person formally practice tai chi or not there are three things he/she should do every day: move the body; breathe deeply; calm the mind. Exercise the right to good health.

Quote of the Day: September 10, 2009

bobveatch — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 15:13:49 +0000

The work will wait while you show the child the rainbow but the rainbow won’t wait while you do the work.

by Joan O’Hara

Saints & Sages

bobveatch — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 13:41:14 +0000

Never let life’s hardships disturb you … no one can avoid problems, not even saints or sages.

– Nichiren Daishonen