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.
Win Some: Lose Some – 12/5/16
Greetings. Looks like we are finally in for a freeze, maybe even a touch of snow. We'll see. Hope you finding interesting activities during this darker time of the year. I wish you the best. Win Some; Lose Some Beautiful morning. Reviewed my email and news headlines...
read moreReincarnation by Wallace McCrae – 11/28/16
Greetings. A wet week, and still no frost. One year we made it through the entire winter with no frost. The garden loves this, but so do all the bugs who come to life early in the spring. Always yin and yang, positive and negative. I am sharing a poem that was read to...
read moreThe Path to Becoming a Tai Chi Instructor – 11/21/16
Greetings. If there are any climate change deniers, I have proof positive it exists. Behind my house there is a pond, stocked with goldfish, that has been there since 1985. I feed the fish, and stop when the pond temperature drops below 50. This always happens right...
read moreSelf Awareness, Self Realization, Enlightenment – 11/14/16
Greetings. So foggy this morning for practice in the park. There are several fog horns in front and on the sides of me as I play Tai Chi. The sounds are all a bit different and it makes for quite a chorus. An eagle swoops in front of me and lands in a big fir tree to...
read moreA Beautiful Morning for Practice – 11/7/16
Greetings. I am so happy you are enjoying your Tai Chi practice. It isn't work. It is play. Keep your inner smile, and allow your mind to expand. Be well. A beautiful morning for practice A beautiful morning for practice here in Port Townsend. The rain has let up for...
read moreTui Shou – Push Hands: Deep Level Training – 10/31/16
Greetings. Wettest October in history. Mild temperatures. Everything is green and lush. Beautiful. Hope to see you at one of the upcoming workshops. All students are welcome. I hope you are enjoying your practice. Tui Shou - Push Hands: Deep Level Training Tui Shou,...
read moreInner Journey – Using the Energy Centers – 10/24/16
Greetings. There are many ways to increase one's performance and enjoyment of Tai Chi Chuan. Here is something to think about and work with. Also, some info on upcoming workshops. Please join us if you can. Inner Journey - Using the Energy Centers The Inner journey is...
read moreIntention Focuses Attention – 10/17/16
Greetings. Wow. We are in the middle of a major storm right now. Record rain and hurricane force winds. We are hunkered down, waiting it out. Less than a month left till we can all breathe naturally again and not be bombarded with all the negativity of the political...
read moreSensation Response – 10/10/16
Greetings. I continue to enjoy sharing my ideas about Tai Chi and related subjects. And I appreciate the positive response I have received from so many of you. It encourages me to carry on. Hope all is going well for you. I send my best regards. Sensation Response...
read moreGratitude – 10/3/16
Greetings. During this period of time in the U.S., we are being bombarded with so much negativity. It is hard to realize that we are so fortunate to be living here right now. Don't give in - keep a smile on your face. Gratitude Yin and Yang, positive and negative, are...
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