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 Welcome Mat – 7/18/16
Greetings. Feels like summer here at the moment, but still lovely. Our practice at the Park was made even more interesting by the addition of dozens and dozens of small fishing boats, plying the Straits, right in front of us, fishing for salmon. I empathize with the...
read moreRoses & Tissue – 7/11/16
Greetings. Saturday in the Park was lovely this week. The day before, I had a call from a woman in Illinois. She wanted to order some DVDs. In chatting, she shared that the temperatures were in the 90's and quite humid. I told her it was in the 60's here, and she...
read moreGoals and Desires – 7/4/16
Greetings. Happy Independence Day. We here in the U.S. have so much to be thankful for. We have the opportunity to do and to be whatever our hearts and minds direct, either through desire or setting goals. I wish each and every one of you the energy you need to make...
read moreProgress in Tai Chi – 6/27/16
Greetings. There is a saying in our area - June Gloom. When most of the rest of the country is starting summer like conditions, Port Townsend, like Seattle, seems stuck in spring. Yet, being raised in San Francisco, I like the cooler conditions. But it is hard to...
read moreInvest in Lost & A Simple Way – 6/20/16
Greetings. I used to live in Tucson, Arizona. Started my Tai Chi teaching career there. It is supposed to reach 115 degrees today! Boy, am I glad I moved to Port Townsend, where the high temperature should almost reach 70! Hope all is well for you and yours. Invest in...
read moreAdvice for Teachers and Students of Tai Chi – 6/13/16
Dear Students, Colleagues, and Friends. I want to take this opportunity to thank you for making my life meaningful. I lost my family at a young age, and didn't have children, which are the normal ways people find meaning in their lives. The other way is to spend one's...
read moreFacing Life and Death – 6/6/16
Greetings. Hot, sunny weather. Unusual for Port Townsend. Plants growing like crazy. I was going through some old writings, and found the following. I didn't remember writing it but it sure fits into our Tips sharing. Be well. Tip #1 Tai Chi is about learning to be...
read moreYin and Yang & Body Awareness – 5/30/16
Greetings. Summer is approaching. This allows us to practice in the park without having to wear so many layers of clothes. Freedom! Try and find some different places to practice outdoors while you can. It makes practice even more enjoyable. Yin and Yang These words...
read moreMasks & The Tai Chi Body – 5/23/16
Greetings. Port Townsend is busy this week-end. Our annual Rhododendron Festival. Thousands of visitors to our little town. I tend to hide out. Pulled my first garlic, peas have flowers as do the tomatoes. Great time. I hope you enjoy this weeks offering. Do think...
read moreJazz – 5/16/16
Greetings. Good news. The Studio has named another instructor. His name is Matthew Campbell, and he lives in Shelton, WA, a couple of hours to the south. He has lots of experience with martial arts, being ex-military, and currently teaches Tae Kwon Do. Like the rest...
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