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.
Change of Focus – 3/2/16
Greetings. I mainly wanted to notify people that I won't be presenting a first Saturday Workshop this month (March 5). I added a thought that I hope you enjoy. Change of Focus We all know that stress kills. Heart attacks are the leading killer of humans. Eliminating...
read morePosture & Sensation – 2/29/16
Greetings. This week I am offering a couple of ideas to help you find more enjoyment in your practice. I wish you well. Posture Man's posture is mostly determined by how he thinks he should look and move. We are conditioned to stand and move in ways that we have been...
read morePush the Earth Away – 2/22/16
Greetings. Here in the state of Washington where I live, we have been having record amounts of rain and record warmth. Makes for a wonderful spring. This weeks tip has to do with moving the body in Tai Chi. I hope you enjoy it. Also, we will be having a guest...
read moreYin and Yang Approach to Learning Tai Chi – 2/15/16
Greetings. Spring is fast approaching here in the Pacific Northwest. Many bulbs are in flower, buds are growing on the fruit trees. I love this time of year. I have been able to go outside for my practice whenever I want. Great place to live. Yin and Yang Approach to...
read moreVisiting Pai-an Pavilion – 2/8/16
Greetings. It seems like ages since my last post. This week I want to share something special with you. Sam Hamill, a good friend of the Studio and creator of Cooper Canyon Press in Port Townsend, translated this ancient poem from the Chinese. It seems to me to...
read moreTides – 2/1/16
Greetings. I have decided to switch to a once a week format. I have had some wonderful feedback, and some comments that said the tips were sometimes too elementary, sometimes too complicated, sometimes too advanced, and sometimes too frequent. This email is read by...
read moreAtmospheric Pressure – 1/31/16
Greetings. Congratulations. We have just completed our first month of daily tips. I'm not slowing down yet, and I hope you continue enjoying this sharing. I welcome all your comments and questions. Atmospheric pressure The earth is a huge yin/yang machine. We can use...
read moreReverse Thrusters – 1/30/16
Greetings. We never know when inspiration will come upon us. If we stay open, we will use every moment as our teacher. Reverse Thrusters I live in a community surrounded by water. We have a ferry that connects us to the longest island in the U.S. I ride this ferry on...
read moreBow and Sit Stance – 1/29/16
Greetings. we will spend the next several emails working on moving the body in Tai Chi. Let me know what you think. Bow and Sit One of the most beautiful and energetic aspects of Tai Chi practice is what is known as the Bow and Sit or the Bow and Arrow Stance. It is...
read moreBasic Movement Process – 1/28/16
Greetings. This tip is a bit technical, but I think it will be helpful for your awareness of how and why you step in Tai Chi. Tomorrow I'll lighten up a bit. Basic Movement Process Back to stepping and moving. Let's say the partner or opponent is in front of you. You...
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