#tai-chi — Public Fediverse posts
Live and recent posts from across the Fediverse tagged #tai-chi, aggregated by home.social.
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ヤマハ XSR155 乗ってみた!【モトブログ】SUZUKI GIXXER 250 review in Japan #バイク #試乗 #モトブログ https://www.bikingjp.com/944372/ ##adventure ##マックスフリッツ #8TT #ABS #Bike #CyclingKyoto #director #FilmMaker #GSX8TT #HJC #japan #Japanese #KyotoCycling #motorcycle #Motovlog #soezimax #suzuki #TAICHI #tour #Touring #v10 #スズキ #ソエジマシンゴ #ソエジマックス #ツーリング #ツアラー #バイク #ホンダ #モーターサイクル #モトブログ #レンタル #レンタル819 #レンタルバイク #二輪 #二輪車 #京丹後市自転車 #京都サイクリング #京都自転車に乗る #副島新五 #大型二輪 #小型二輪 #日本 #映画監督 #普通二輪 #試乗
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ヤマハ XSR155 乗ってみた!【モトブログ】SUZUKI GIXXER 250 review in Japan #バイク #試乗 #モトブログ https://www.bikingjp.com/944372/ ##adventure ##マックスフリッツ #8TT #ABS #Bike #CyclingKyoto #director #FilmMaker #GSX8TT #HJC #japan #Japanese #KyotoCycling #motorcycle #Motovlog #soezimax #suzuki #TAICHI #tour #Touring #v10 #スズキ #ソエジマシンゴ #ソエジマックス #ツーリング #ツアラー #バイク #ホンダ #モーターサイクル #モトブログ #レンタル #レンタル819 #レンタルバイク #二輪 #二輪車 #京丹後市自転車 #京都サイクリング #京都自転車に乗る #副島新五 #大型二輪 #小型二輪 #日本 #映画監督 #普通二輪 #試乗
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Mind and Body Exercises - whole health wisdom blog & resources @mindandbodyexercises.wordpress.com@mindandbodyexercises.wordpress.com ·The One-Handed Bow and Shaolin Salute
A Symbolic Gesture Bridging Buddhism, Martial Arts, and Philosophy
Among the many ritual gestures in martial arts and Buddhist practice, few are as rich in symbolism as the one-handed bow and the Shaolin salute. These simple movements embody centuries of cultural synthesis, spanning Buddhist devotion, Confucian ethics, and Taoist philosophy. Though often performed without conscious reflection, these gestures are living links to profound stories of sacrifice, humility, and moral discipline.
It is also important to distinguish between “bowing toward” someone and “bowing down to” them. In Buddhist and martial traditions, a bow is not a sign of subjugation or inferiority, but rather a gesture of mutual respect, recognition, and presence. To bow toward someone is to acknowledge their humanity, their role as teacher or peer, or their shared path. In contrast, bowing down to someone implies surrender, hierarchy, or submission, a dynamic not typically encouraged in authentic Chan or martial teachings, which emphasize non-attachment, humility, and equality of spirit (Suzuki, 1956; Shahar, 2008). The gesture is not about worship, but about mindful reverence for the moment and the relationship.
The Story of Huike and the One-Handed Bow
The origins of the one-handed bow can be traced to a pivotal moment in Chan (Zen)Buddhist history. In the 5th or 6th century CE, the Indian monk Bodhidharma (Damo) traveled to China, bringing the profound teachings of Dhyana (meditation) Buddhism. According to legend, Bodhidharma secluded himself in a cave near the Shaolin Temple, meditating in silence for nine years (Suzuki, 1959).
During this time, a Chinese monk named Huike sought to become his disciple. Initially rejected, Huike demonstrated his unwavering determination by standing outside Bodhidharma’s cave through a snowstorm. To further prove his sincerity, Huike cut off his own hand and presented it to Bodhidharma. Moved by this act of sacrifice, Bodhidharma finally accepted him as a student (Cleary, 1999).
The one-handed bow evolved partly from this story. In Chan circles, bowing with one hand came to symbolize total devotion, humility, and the willingness to transcend ego and attachment. The gesture visually echoes Huike’s sacrifice, representing a commitment to the Dharma that goes beyond the physical form.
Practical Monastic Roots
Beyond its symbolic meaning, the one-handed bow also has practical origins. Buddhist monks traditionally carried alms bowls or staffs, often leaving one hand occupied. The gesture of bowing with the free hand thus became a mindful adaptation, embodying presence and respect even in simple actions (Strong, 2001).
In Shaolin monastic life, where martial training intertwined with Buddhist practice, this gesture naturally merged with martial etiquette. Over time, it evolved into the more formalized Shaolin salute, now widely recognized across martial arts traditions.
The Shaolin Salute (Fist Wrapped in Palm)
The Shaolin salute, performed with the left open palm wrapping over the right closed fist encapsulates a deep philosophical message:
- The left palm symbolizes wisdom, virtue, and restraint.
- The right fist represents martial strength and discipline.
- Together, they convey the ideal that strength must serve wisdom, and that martial power should always be governed by moral integrity (Henning, 1999).
The gesture is performed at the start and end of training, as a sign of respect toward teachers, fellow practitioners, and the lineage itself.
Northern vs. Southern Shaolin Variations
Northern Shaolin
- Gesture held closer to the chest, with a more upright posture.
- Strong emphasis on Chan Buddhist origins, honoring the story of Huike and Bodhidharma.
- Used as a reminder that martial arts is a spiritual path, not merely a physical practice.
Southern Shaolin
- Gesture held lower, sometimes with a deeper bow.
- Greater incorporation of Confucian and Taoist elements:
- The left palm represents civil virtue (wen).
- The right fist represents martial courage (wu).
- Symbolizes the ideal of the “complete person” where one who balances civil ethics with martial prowess.
Across both traditions, the salute serves as a bridge between physical mastery and spiritual cultivation, reminding practitioners to walk the martial path with awareness, humility, and virtue.
Philosophical Layers of the Salute
InfluenceLeft PalmRight FistCombined GestureBuddhism (Chan)Wisdom, compassionStrength, disciplineStrength governed by wisdomConfucianismRitual propriety (礼, li)Martial courageHarmony of civil and martial virtuesTaoismYin (open hand)Yang (closed fist)Balance of opposites, alignment with DaoThese layers reflect the syncretic nature of Chinese culture, where Buddhism, Confucianism, and Taoism enriched one another and deeply influenced the martial arts (Shahar, 2008).
The Gesture Today
In modern martial arts, the Shaolin salute is used worldwide. Yet, many practitioners are unaware of its spiritual and historical dimensions. The story of Huike’s sacrifice, the practicality of the one-handed bow, and the layered meaning of the salute all remind us that external movements can carry profound internal significance.
Every time a martial artist performs this gesture, they are participating in a lineage that spans centuries of wisdom, discipline, and moral cultivation. In a world often dominated by superficial strength, the Shaolin salute offers a timeless reminder:
True power lies in restraint, and the greatest warrior is one whose actions serve a higher wisdom.Conclusion
The evolution of the one-handed bow and Shaolin salute exemplifies the essence of holistic practice, integrating the body, mind, and spirit. These gestures are not mere formalities; they are expressions of a worldview where humility tempers strength, and discipline serves compassion.
As we move through modern life, whether in the dojo, temple, or daily interactions, this simple bow invites us to embody presence, respect, and the pursuit of wisdom in every action.
References:
Cleary, T. (1999). Zen Dawn: Early Zen Texts from Tun Huang. Shambhala Publications.
Henning, S. E. (1981). The Chinese martial arts in historical perspective. In Military Affairs (Issue 4, pp. 173–179). Society for Military History. https://themartialscholar.yolasite.com/resources/henning.pdf
Shahar, M. (2008). The Shaolin Monastery: History, Religion, and the Chinese Martial Arts. University of Hawaii Press. The Shaolin Monastery: History, Religion, and the Chinese Martial Arts on JSTOR
Strong, J. S. (2001). The Experience of Buddhism: Sources and Interpretations (2nd ed.). Wadsworth/Thomson Learning. https://openlibrary.org/books/OL7785420M/The_Experience_of_Buddhism
Suzuki, D. T. (1959). Zen Buddhism and Its Influence on Japanese Culture. Princeton University Press. https://archive.org/details/in.gov.ignca.16794
#angerManagement #chronicPain #depression #healthCare #innerTransformation #martialArtsCenterForHealth #osteoporosis #ParkinsonsDisease #PTSD #Qigong #stressManagement #stressRelief #TaiChi #WinterParkPresbyterian #WinterParkTaiChi #yoga -
Mind and Body Exercises - whole health wisdom blog & resources @mindandbodyexercises.wordpress.com@mindandbodyexercises.wordpress.com ·The One-Handed Bow and Shaolin Salute
A Symbolic Gesture Bridging Buddhism, Martial Arts, and Philosophy
Among the many ritual gestures in martial arts and Buddhist practice, few are as rich in symbolism as the one-handed bow and the Shaolin salute. These simple movements embody centuries of cultural synthesis, spanning Buddhist devotion, Confucian ethics, and Taoist philosophy. Though often performed without conscious reflection, these gestures are living links to profound stories of sacrifice, humility, and moral discipline.
It is also important to distinguish between “bowing toward” someone and “bowing down to” them. In Buddhist and martial traditions, a bow is not a sign of subjugation or inferiority, but rather a gesture of mutual respect, recognition, and presence. To bow toward someone is to acknowledge their humanity, their role as teacher or peer, or their shared path. In contrast, bowing down to someone implies surrender, hierarchy, or submission, a dynamic not typically encouraged in authentic Chan or martial teachings, which emphasize non-attachment, humility, and equality of spirit (Suzuki, 1956; Shahar, 2008). The gesture is not about worship, but about mindful reverence for the moment and the relationship.
The Story of Huike and the One-Handed Bow
The origins of the one-handed bow can be traced to a pivotal moment in Chan (Zen)Buddhist history. In the 5th or 6th century CE, the Indian monk Bodhidharma (Damo) traveled to China, bringing the profound teachings of Dhyana (meditation) Buddhism. According to legend, Bodhidharma secluded himself in a cave near the Shaolin Temple, meditating in silence for nine years (Suzuki, 1959).
During this time, a Chinese monk named Huike sought to become his disciple. Initially rejected, Huike demonstrated his unwavering determination by standing outside Bodhidharma’s cave through a snowstorm. To further prove his sincerity, Huike cut off his own hand and presented it to Bodhidharma. Moved by this act of sacrifice, Bodhidharma finally accepted him as a student (Cleary, 1999).
The one-handed bow evolved partly from this story. In Chan circles, bowing with one hand came to symbolize total devotion, humility, and the willingness to transcend ego and attachment. The gesture visually echoes Huike’s sacrifice, representing a commitment to the Dharma that goes beyond the physical form.
Practical Monastic Roots
Beyond its symbolic meaning, the one-handed bow also has practical origins. Buddhist monks traditionally carried alms bowls or staffs, often leaving one hand occupied. The gesture of bowing with the free hand thus became a mindful adaptation, embodying presence and respect even in simple actions (Strong, 2001).
In Shaolin monastic life, where martial training intertwined with Buddhist practice, this gesture naturally merged with martial etiquette. Over time, it evolved into the more formalized Shaolin salute, now widely recognized across martial arts traditions.
The Shaolin Salute (Fist Wrapped in Palm)
The Shaolin salute, performed with the left open palm wrapping over the right closed fist encapsulates a deep philosophical message:
- The left palm symbolizes wisdom, virtue, and restraint.
- The right fist represents martial strength and discipline.
- Together, they convey the ideal that strength must serve wisdom, and that martial power should always be governed by moral integrity (Henning, 1999).
The gesture is performed at the start and end of training, as a sign of respect toward teachers, fellow practitioners, and the lineage itself.
Northern vs. Southern Shaolin Variations
Northern Shaolin
- Gesture held closer to the chest, with a more upright posture.
- Strong emphasis on Chan Buddhist origins, honoring the story of Huike and Bodhidharma.
- Used as a reminder that martial arts is a spiritual path, not merely a physical practice.
Southern Shaolin
- Gesture held lower, sometimes with a deeper bow.
- Greater incorporation of Confucian and Taoist elements:
- The left palm represents civil virtue (wen).
- The right fist represents martial courage (wu).
- Symbolizes the ideal of the “complete person” where one who balances civil ethics with martial prowess.
Across both traditions, the salute serves as a bridge between physical mastery and spiritual cultivation, reminding practitioners to walk the martial path with awareness, humility, and virtue.
Philosophical Layers of the Salute
InfluenceLeft PalmRight FistCombined GestureBuddhism (Chan)Wisdom, compassionStrength, disciplineStrength governed by wisdomConfucianismRitual propriety (礼, li)Martial courageHarmony of civil and martial virtuesTaoismYin (open hand)Yang (closed fist)Balance of opposites, alignment with DaoThese layers reflect the syncretic nature of Chinese culture, where Buddhism, Confucianism, and Taoism enriched one another and deeply influenced the martial arts (Shahar, 2008).
The Gesture Today
In modern martial arts, the Shaolin salute is used worldwide. Yet, many practitioners are unaware of its spiritual and historical dimensions. The story of Huike’s sacrifice, the practicality of the one-handed bow, and the layered meaning of the salute all remind us that external movements can carry profound internal significance.
Every time a martial artist performs this gesture, they are participating in a lineage that spans centuries of wisdom, discipline, and moral cultivation. In a world often dominated by superficial strength, the Shaolin salute offers a timeless reminder:
True power lies in restraint, and the greatest warrior is one whose actions serve a higher wisdom.Conclusion
The evolution of the one-handed bow and Shaolin salute exemplifies the essence of holistic practice, integrating the body, mind, and spirit. These gestures are not mere formalities; they are expressions of a worldview where humility tempers strength, and discipline serves compassion.
As we move through modern life, whether in the dojo, temple, or daily interactions, this simple bow invites us to embody presence, respect, and the pursuit of wisdom in every action.
References:
Cleary, T. (1999). Zen Dawn: Early Zen Texts from Tun Huang. Shambhala Publications.
Henning, S. E. (1981). The Chinese martial arts in historical perspective. In Military Affairs (Issue 4, pp. 173–179). Society for Military History. https://themartialscholar.yolasite.com/resources/henning.pdf
Shahar, M. (2008). The Shaolin Monastery: History, Religion, and the Chinese Martial Arts. University of Hawaii Press. The Shaolin Monastery: History, Religion, and the Chinese Martial Arts on JSTOR
Strong, J. S. (2001). The Experience of Buddhism: Sources and Interpretations (2nd ed.). Wadsworth/Thomson Learning. https://openlibrary.org/books/OL7785420M/The_Experience_of_Buddhism
Suzuki, D. T. (1959). Zen Buddhism and Its Influence on Japanese Culture. Princeton University Press. https://archive.org/details/in.gov.ignca.16794
#angerManagement #chronicPain #depression #healthCare #innerTransformation #martialArtsCenterForHealth #osteoporosis #ParkinsonsDisease #PTSD #Qigong #stressManagement #stressRelief #TaiChi #WinterParkPresbyterian #WinterParkTaiChi #yoga -
It is important to start it over
Yesterday I got an internal nudge to rego through the great lessons series by Rocky Mountain Taichi teachers Lee and Beth. Yes, I practicing this for a while already, but life happens sometimes in a way you have to skip a day. Or two. And after a difficult week on the work, during which I had to skip whole days in a row, I decided - why not review all these 13 lessons and start from scratch? And know what? It was a useful thing to review all that! I found that I made Animal Frolics […] -
Iniciación a Tai-Chi
CSO La Rosa, martes, 9 de junio, 19:00 CEST
Iniciación a Tai-Chi.
Feliz día.
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Iniciación a Tai-Chi
CSO La Rosa, martes, 9 de junio, 19:00 CEST
Iniciación a Tai-Chi.
Feliz día.
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Erstes Bild aufgetaucht: ASRock zeigt Radeon RX 9070 XT Taichi als Jubiläums-Edition https://www.computerbase.de/news/grafikkarten/erstes-bild-aufgetaucht-asrock-zeigt-radeon-rx-9070-xt-taichi-als-jubilaeums-edition.97602/ #grafikkarten #asrock #radeon #rx9070xt #taichi #10th #rdna4 #computex2026
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Erstes Bild aufgetaucht: ASRock zeigt Radeon RX 9070 XT Taichi als Jubiläums-Edition https://www.computerbase.de/news/grafikkarten/erstes-bild-aufgetaucht-asrock-zeigt-radeon-rx-9070-xt-taichi-als-jubilaeums-edition.97602/ #grafikkarten #asrock #radeon #rx9070xt #taichi #10th #rdna4 #computex2026
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Un compañero de #taichi me dice que lo deja durante unos meses debido, básicamente, al agotamiento y al estrés. Sentí una sensación de bloqueo al leer su mensaje. Un "déjalo estar" junto a una sensación de preocupación y pena
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#TaiChi walking is not a sport. It is not a fitness regime. It will not get you ripped or lose you 35 pounds in only 6 weeks.
Tai Chi walking is one tiny practice sometimes used in Tai Chi training to help students get used to a particular way of moving the feet and body when stepping forwards and backwards.
It is a specific footwork practice of Tai Chi, one of many. It's like learning the basic two-step in ballroom dancing, or learning how to make a roux in cooking.
Again: it is not a sport, nor is it a fitness regime, and anyone who tells you different is trying to sell you something. -
#TaiChi walking is not a sport. It is not a fitness regime. It will not get you ripped or lose you 35 pounds in only 6 weeks.
Tai Chi walking is one tiny practice sometimes used in Tai Chi training to help students get used to a particular way of moving the feet and body when stepping forwards and backwards.
It is a specific footwork practice of Tai Chi, one of many. It's like learning the basic two-step in ballroom dancing, or learning how to make a roux in cooking.
Again: it is not a sport, nor is it a fitness regime, and anyone who tells you different is trying to sell you something. -
Aujourd’hui, nous plongeons dans la part spirituelle des arts martiaux asiatiques : énergie vitale, méridiens, aura, etc. Nous tentons de comprendre les philosophies qui sous-tendent les codes moraux et les rituels de ces sports, en évitant les raccourcis dans lesquels il est si facile de tomber lorsqu’on y porte un regard occidental.
Et il fallait que je pose la question : peut-on pratiquer le tai-chi sérieusement sans croire au Qi ?👇
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Aujourd’hui, nous plongeons dans la part spirituelle des arts martiaux asiatiques : énergie vitale, méridiens, aura, etc. Nous tentons de comprendre les philosophies qui sous-tendent les codes moraux et les rituels de ces sports, en évitant les raccourcis dans lesquels il est si facile de tomber lorsqu’on y porte un regard occidental.
Et il fallait que je pose la question : peut-on pratiquer le tai-chi sérieusement sans croire au Qi ?👇
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🖥️ ASRock rilancia la linea Taichi con monitor OLED a 540 Hz e nuovi AIO: prestazioni estreme e design premium puntano dritti agli enthusiast. #ASRock #Taichi
🔗 https://www.tomshw.it/hardware/asrock-rilancia-taichi-con-oled-a-540-hz-e-nuovi-aio
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D’où vient notre engouement pour les arts martiaux ? De l’enseignement de grands maîtres ? Non, de la pop culture !
Le chapitre 1 de la série SHOCKING “Les croyances dans le sport“, avec Willy Mangin, est disponible sur votre appli audio (Spotify, Deezer, Apple Podcast, Podcast Addict, etc.), sur YouTube et sur le site web de Méta de Choc : https://metadechoc.fr/podcast/les-croyances-dans-le-sport/.
#sport #ArtsMartiaux #PopCulture #BruceLee #ChuckNorris #KungFuPanda #KungFu #karaté #TaiChi
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D’où vient notre engouement pour les arts martiaux ? De l’enseignement de grands maîtres ? Non, de la pop culture !
Le chapitre 1 de la série SHOCKING “Les croyances dans le sport“, avec Willy Mangin, est disponible sur votre appli audio (Spotify, Deezer, Apple Podcast, Podcast Addict, etc.), sur YouTube et sur le site web de Méta de Choc : https://metadechoc.fr/podcast/les-croyances-dans-le-sport/.
#sport #ArtsMartiaux #PopCulture #BruceLee #ChuckNorris #KungFuPanda #KungFu #karaté #TaiChi
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Brain: What is reality? Body: Please stop.
#TaiChi #ManifestingInVR #Torchmantis -
Mindful Motion vs. Pure Cardio: Is Tai Chi Walking Better Than Your Daily Stroll?
https://www.dietofcommonsense.com/tai-chi-walking-vs-regular-walking/
#cardio #taichi #taichimaster #taichiwalking #walking #sport #fitness
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Tai Chi Walking for Beginners: The Ultimate Guide + 30-Day Challenge
https://www.dietofcommonsense.com/tai-chi-walking-for-beginners/
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Iniciación a Tai-Chi
CSO La Rosa, martes, 26 de mayo, 19:00 CEST
Iniciación a Tai-Chi.
Feliz día.
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Iniciación a Tai-Chi
CSO La Rosa, martes, 26 de mayo, 19:00 CEST
Iniciación a Tai-Chi.
Feliz día.
-
I've been fortunate enough in the past 1+ year to hold a schedule where I can practice my morning Tai-chi routine just about every day. Even after decades of relative inconsistency, being able to be this frequent gives me noticeably stronger benefits, mentally speaking. I have much better control over my thoughts, my moods.. my days.
I highly recommend mindfulness of *any* kind, for everyone. IMO the world would be much more peaceful if everyone practiced it more.
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I've been fortunate enough in the past 1+ year to hold a schedule where I can practice my morning Tai-chi routine just about every day. Even after decades of relative inconsistency, being able to be this frequent gives me noticeably stronger benefits, mentally speaking. I have much better control over my thoughts, my moods.. my days.
I highly recommend mindfulness of *any* kind, for everyone. IMO the world would be much more peaceful if everyone practiced it more.
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Sitting in the car listening to @RadioCarolineTopFifteens and waiting for the hall to open for the #TaiChi class.
It's too cold to stand around outside talking shit with the local mafia. -
Sitting in the car listening to @RadioCarolineTopFifteens and waiting for the hall to open for the #TaiChi class.
It's too cold to stand around outside talking shit with the local mafia. -
Reality is the first illusion. VR is the second. I am the 3rd. ✨️ 👾 #simulationtheory #taichi #Torchmantis
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So, I'm in #Hesselberg for #taiji while Leila is home taking care of our house.
#tai-chi #Taijiquan #TaiJiHuang #WeeKeeJin -
So, I'm in #Hesselberg for #taiji while Leila is home taking care of our house.
#tai-chi #Taijiquan #TaiJiHuang #WeeKeeJin -
Tai Chi para la vida diaria
https://auraastral.es/libros/tai-chi-para-la-vida-diaria/
#TaiChi #VidaSaludable #BienestarIntegral
#EquilibrioCuerpoYMente #Mindfulness #VidaSana
#TaiChiParaTodos #ArtesMarcialesSaludables
#EnergíaVital #MeditaciónEnMovimiento #RelajaciónActiva
#TaiChiParaLaVidaDiaria #LibrosDeBienestar -
Tai Chi para la vida diaria
https://auraastral.es/libros/tai-chi-para-la-vida-diaria/
#TaiChi #VidaSaludable #BienestarIntegral
#EquilibrioCuerpoYMente #Mindfulness #VidaSana
#TaiChiParaTodos #ArtesMarcialesSaludables
#EnergíaVital #MeditaciónEnMovimiento #RelajaciónActiva
#TaiChiParaLaVidaDiaria #LibrosDeBienestar -
My profile tells me it's just over a year since I joined Mastodon, so a bit late for an #introduction but I hear it is a good way to get started on here.
As per my bio, I'm an #ecosocialist from #scotland . I'm principally on here because I write #blogs where I #review things I read, watch or play.
Other than that, my key interests are #culture, #politics, #cats, #taichi, #SF, #books, #systems, #cybernetics, #taoism, #environment and #degrowth.
Recommendations for follows are appreciated.
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#OrderOfTheSacredEarth members embody #spirituality in #practices: #work, #meditation, #study, #PrayingTheNews, #arts as meditation incl. chanting, #dancing, #painting, #clay, #yoga, #taichi, hiking, #marching, #running, #walking; #grieving, #ritesofpassage.
#NoKings #PropheticAction
bit.ly/3WRTQFD -
running a Tai Chi school means we get some interesting emails.
Today's is from the "Military Auxiliary Programs Coordinator with the Colorado Department of Military and Veterans Affairs" asking us to partner with them since military service and martial arts share the exact same values.
Hmm ... staring in gazan, venezuelan, cuban ...