Marc Freeman: Certified Tai Chi. Reduce Stress.

Introduction: The single most important key to physical and mental wellbeing is to reduce TENSION. Unrelieved stress destroys our peace of mind and happiness and leads to depression and mental chaos. Tension leads to muscle, joint, back, neck, shoulder, and nerve pain and has even been associated with weight gain and anxiety. The goal of all exercise should be what the Chinese call "SONG": Relax, Let go, and Release. Finding balance is key in both how we respond to situations and relationships and also how we take care of our greatest gift--our body. It is a life long practice, very deep and powerful that can lead to greater self esteem and confidence. Yoga is great. So is working out in the gym. I don't knock them. I do them. But they can be very hard on the joints and muscles and they are not appropriate for many people especially older people and those with chronic pain, balance problems and common illnesses. Doctors, drugs, therapists? They are also useful. But too often we go from doctor to doctor seeking relief and we get lots of testing or drugs. Same with "therapists". We can talk for years and not get relief. Tai Chi and Qi-Gong are very old proven practices that lead to great internal strength, balance and body awareness. And they provide a meditative relaxed tension free state of mind that is the real basis for our physical health and emotional/mental happiness. It has worked for me and it can work for you. Try it. Empathy and understanding are sometimes hard to come by. A mentor can change a persons life in an instant. It did for me. Sharing knowledge is a time honored practice for people in all professions. I will share my knowledge with you. I've formally studied--5 years--complimentary and alternative medicine. A long time meditator and Tai Chi practitioner I have seen the people in the parks in China working out with Tai Chi and Qi-gong--many very old--many in very good health and I know their power. There is nothing quite like it.