Tai chi Master Arthur Rosenfeld began his formal martial arts training in 1980. In 2012 the Chinese government ordained him a Taoist monk at the Chun Yang Taoist Temple in Guangzhou; he became the first Westerner to be so honored. He teaches beginning and advanced tai chi students at his home base in South Florida. In the preface, Rosenfeld notes:
"Tai chi's pulsing, coherent, underlying intelligence fosters a sensitive and aware frame of mind, thus opening us to forces, trends, and patterns both inside our body and in the world around us. Practicing tai chi allows us to see and feel things differently on a physical, intellectual, emotional, and energetic level. It is the perfect art for the seeker — the person who has an abiding sense that contrary to the shallow, hurried model we're asked to embrace, there exists a deep, resource-rich alternative."
This martial art makes it clear that our bodies were made to move. If sitting at our desk all day is the new smoking, then tai chi is the new yoga. Tai chi is all about efficiency, effectiveness, and effortless action. It helps us learn how to let go of muscular tension and give more time to relaxing.
In successive chapters on taming the hot-rod heart, getting rooted, working with spirals, returning to emotional equilibrium, belly breathing meditation and practice, and pushing hands, the author touches upon the special mind/body gifts of this ancient art. Bringing tai chi into your life means taking good care of your body, strengthening your spirit, and transforming your mind.
