One of the most common questions we are asked is whether students should train inside or outside. There isn't really a should for this one, though. It's all a matter of preference and health. Do what your gut tells you - if you've spent 2 days coughing and sneezing and you feel rubbish, then some indoor stretching and qigong is probably going to be more beneficial than getting cold and wet in the middle of winter, but on a warmer, sunny day the fresh air, warmth of the sunlight and the calming sounds of nature can make you feel fresh and invigorated.
Seasons
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) there are 5 seasons - the four we use in the UK along with the 5th season of late summer (we sometimes call this an Indian Summer). With the spring equinox just gone, we are in spring, the season of the Chinese element Wood. This element is all growing things, not just trees.As plants grow they reach up and out, expanding to fill their space and potential; to do this they need to develop deeper, broader roots and learn to flex with the wind and weather. For humans, as we grow, this means developing 'root' or groundedness and stretching ligaments and tendons, loosening joints and, finally, opening body, heart and mind.
Liver
Spring is traditionally a time to detoxify the liver and gall bladder. Training can help with this as exercise and sweating help to clear the liver. This is a perfect time to be developing a regular practice that has some more vigorous exercises/forms. Simon and I love sabre form as a way to increase our heart rate; Simon also throws in some Xing I. If you have a partner handy then moving step pushing hands as fast as you can manage is also a great way to get breathless (either from the speed or the giggling when I fall over my own feet, for me!).Balance
Tai Chi and Qigong are all about balance. So throughout the year, whatever the season, practicing in a way that balances all the elements is a key part of any student's development. The 5 element tai chi form is a great way to do this and so is hand form practice.
Whenever, wherever and whatever you train, have fun and let us know how it's going.
Si and Cher
