Training Tips
Greetings. I have been writing and sending these out since 2015, and for you who have just joined us, welcome to the Gilman Studio Training Tips. These Tips are a result of my desire to share my life’s study and teaching in the area of Internal Arts and human potential.
I have taught Tai Chi and Qigong since 1973 and shared with thousands of people, and yet feel limited, as I live in a small community in the northwest corner of Washington State. I wanted to reach a larger audience on a regular basis. Thus, the Training Tips was born.
Most books on Tai Chi are written by an instructor to share his or her form. They are meant to teach the movements. They also, usually include short chapters on history and philosophy, but that is usually limited. I have written two Tai Chi books and now these Training Tips, not as “how to” books, but as “why to” books. Most people who are attracted to Tai Chi seek relaxation, focus, balance, health improvement, and a very few, martial skills. What most people need to carry on with their studies is motivation. That is what these Tips are all about. I want to encourage students to continue to practice, and continue looking deeper into this marvelous art form, and that only comes from regular and continuous practice.
I hope you read through all of these and maybe one or more will stimulate you to stay with your initial interest and enthusiasm. You can bookmark the ones you like to go back to in the future. As you grow and change, the meaning of these Tips will change, and hopefully you will find you understand them in your body, mind and spirit. If you aren’t already receiving these in your mailbox, subscribe and it will come as regular as clockwork on Monday mornings. The Gilman Studio never shares your information.
I sincerely hope you enjoy these and share them with your friends. You will make me happy. Thank you for your interest in our beloved art.
Tai Chi and Psychotherapy – 9/26/16
Greetings. Fall is here. Cooler weather, leaves turning, spiders making webs. Watching huge container ships on the water, gliding past our Saturday in the Park. Finishing the interview from last week, and a reminder about the upcoming workshop, playing with Chan Ssu...
read moreQuestions and Answers About Tai Chi – 9/19/16
Greetings. Last week I gave you the questions that were posed to me from Annals of the American Psychotherapy Association. I hope you enjoyed thinking about what answers you might give. This week I will answer the first three, as they are quite long, and finish next...
read morePsychotherapy and Tai Chi – 9/12/16
Greetings. It was Wooden Boat Festival weekend here in Port Townsend. It is one of the largest gatherings of wooden boats in the country. It was so interesting and fun to have the water directly in front of our practice site in Chetzemoka Park filled with a rowing...
read moreWu Chi to Tai Chi – 9/5/16
Greetings. Some rain today. Puts a damper on our outdoor practice, but our dry ground sure loves it. It is so Tai Chi like. Some elements are positive and some negative. We Tai Chi players learn to go with the flow. Wu Chi to Tai Chi The concept of Wu Chi to Tai Chi...
read moreIntention and Learning Styles – 8/29/16
Intention and Learning Styles I view Intention as the master key to Tai Chi. It is what gives purpose to movement. It makes Tai Chi Chuan different than any other psycho/physical exercise. We practice Tai Chi so we can become real, simple, balanced, and whole. There...
read moreLocking in Changes – 8/22/16
Greetings. Very hot week, but lovely in the shade of the trees in the Park with the slight breeze coming off the water. Summer visitors continue to join us and are always a welcome addition. Only two more weeks until we return to the studio for our classes. Joyce is...
read moreGetting Real About Breathing – 8/15/16
Greetings. Summer continues here in the Pacific Northwest. Dry and lots of sun. We seek out the shade in the Park instead of the sun. Great to have visitors from out of state. Chi Kung exercises benefit from Fire (Sun), Earth (Park setting), Air (so pure here), and...
read moreExploring Each Move – 8/8/16
Greetings. Practicing on the wharf. Dolphins, eagles, seals, otters, heron, every sea bird imaginable. Water, snow capped mountains, mild weather. Typical day in Port Townsend. Hope you are well and enjoying being where you are. Exploring Each Move One of the best...
read moreMusing about Tai Chi and Life – 8/1/16
Greetings. I hope this email finds you well. Our lovely weather continues, and the Studio takes a month vacation so we instructors can focus a bit more on our own practice. I will continue sending the tips, and classes will resume in September. Musing about Tai Chi...
read moreAnswers to Questions – 7/25/16
Greetings. While the rest of the U.S. bakes under extreme heat, we here in the Pacific Northwest enjoy mild conditions. The Park was nice and cool. There were groups of Native Americans who stopped off in Port Townsend on their way to Alaska in dug-out canoes. Way...
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