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Tai Chi is the universal cosmic energy in all things
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Photo: Sifu Gary Tong
About 4 years ago I sent off a prayer asking for an authentic Tai Chi instructor to show up at The Crystal Garden. I had experienced some challenges with prior practitioners and wanted to provide the highest level of teachings to my clients. I remember I indicated in my prayer not to bother sending anyone unless they were of the highest level and that I would rather have no Tai Chi at the store and center unless it was a person of the highest integrity and love.
The next day I happened to be working the front desk of The Crystal Garden when a gentleman came in asking for Eucalyptus oil. We carry medical grade oils and the store and he had heard we provided the finest quality of essential oils. As we conversed I felt the energy of great master teachers around him and perceived he was a teacher of some kind. Of course I asked him about his life and work only to find out that I had before me, Gary Tong, a Master Teacher of Tai Chi Chi Kung! As a true Master Teacher, he did not brag or boast about his work yet through questioning and conversation I realized who had graced the walls of our fabulous store and center. I was so grateful and humbled.
I attended Tai Chi courses with Sifu Gary Tong for almost 2 years. The energy of the movement assisted me in transforming my life. For this I am eternally grateful. Gary still teaches 3 classes a week year round at The Crystal Garden.
Here is my interview with Gary Tong.
What is Tai Chi?
Tai Chi is the harmony of “Yin” and “Yang”. We must first find this harmony within ourselves, harmonizing Body, Mind and Breath. Then with all things, - Heaven, Earth & Humanity. Tai Chi Chuan is also a moving meditation. Every movement is controlled by the Mind and Breath. It is very good for stress and relaxation, and all movements can be used in self-defense. The exact translation of “Tai Chi Chuan” is Grand Ultimate Fist.
What is Chi Kung (Qigong)?
Chi Kung or Qigong (Energy Cultivation) consist of breathing, stillness, movements & visualization. The purpose is to awaken the profound understanding of the human being as a complete field of energy. Qi Gong is the art and science of cultivating and manipulating one’s inner vital life force with the intentions of healing. There are many Qi Gong systems now in existence and it is practiced worldwide.
What is Meditation?
Meditation is a term that refers both to a state of consciousness in which a practitioner watches oneself, as well as a method for achieving such a state. As a method, meditation means quieting the mind in order to more clearly see one’s self. Ultimately meditation is simply self-watching from a different aspect of consciousness—a way of becoming selfless, where we can see one’s self in all things.
Health Benefits:
The healing effect takes a deeper meaning when we realize we are a field of energy and this energy controls our movements, nervous systems, thoughts and emotions. Tai Chi and Chi Kung (Qigong) is the most effective balance and coordination exercise in the world. Through daily practice of Tai Chi, Chi Kung (Qigong) & Meditation, one can achieve true balance of body, mind and spirit.
What is your background?
I was born of Chinese decent in Guyana, South America and migrated to New York City at the age of 11. I started my training (discipline) at the age of 13, learning Shaolin Kung Fu. At that time, my intention was for self defense. Grandmaster Alan Lee taught me the true meaning of kung Fu, which is “Discipline”. Self discipline of body, mind & spirit. Shaolin Temple is the foundation of “Zen Buddhism”, where the Indian Monk Bodhidharma (Dhamo) started his teachings in China. The word “Zen” is Japanese for meditation. In China, it is known as “Chan”.
I was in my late 20’s when I decided to try a Tai Chi class. Tai Chi is a more relax and meditative form of martial art. It was not easy for me to move slowly, with balance, focus and concentration. Learning to relax all muscles while paying attention to my breath and harmonizing my breath with coordinated movements. It was not easy. But I fell in love with it. I realized Tai Chi was giving me everything I desire in a physical, mental & spiritual workout. After a few months, I could feel strong “chi” flowing throughout my body. My body felt lighter, but strongly rooted. Internally stronger, but externally soft and relax. My mind became calmer and always mindful of my breath. I noticed I was becoming more patient and peaceful with myself and others. This feeling, I knew was my true nature. I found what I was seeking, and I was happy with Tai Chi.
What inspired you to become a Tai Chi instructor?
My greatest inspiration was my teacher, Dr John Wan-Yuin Chang of Baltimore, MD. The qualities I saw in him, I wondered if they existed in me. He always said to learn Tai Chi is to learn patience, to teach Tai Chi is to demonstrate Patience. Patience was a virtue I never had, but wanted to overcome. Today, I am inspired by my students. It is such a joy to watch them overcome barriers of tension, doubts and confusions to understanding, patience, grace, harmony, relaxation and balance. Together we create harmony.
Where do you offer your Tai Chi?
I teach Tai Chi – Chi Kung – Meditation classes at “The Crystal Garden” in Boynton Beach, “Simply Yoga” studio in Delray Beach, “Veterans Park” community center in Delray Beach and privately at client homes.
What are the benefits of Tai Chi?
Unlike other exercises, Tai Chi Chuan main focus is on developing internal energy “Chi”. Chi is the universal cosmic energy that is in all things. When Chi is weak or stagnant in our body, we can become ill. Through the relaxed and graceful movements off Tai Chi Chuan, we learn to circulate “Chi” throughout our body, relaxing and healing our body and calming our mind. Tai Chi Chuan is also a moving meditation. Every movement is controlled by the Mind and Breath. It’s very good for stress and relaxation, and each movement can be used in self-defense. Tai Chi is believed to: Boost the Immune System --- Slow the aging Process ---- Lower High Blood Pressure ---- Reduce the incidence of “Anxiety”, “Depression” and overall mood disturbances. Tai Chi Chuan is the most effective balance and coordination exercise in the world.
Who can practice Tai Chi?
Everyone can learn and practice Tai Chi for health and well being. For children and teenagers, Tai Chi will help with patience, focus, balance and concentration. It will do the same for adults and seniors. I am proud to say I have a 93 year old student that drives herself to my classes on Saturday mornings. She has been attending my classes for the past 3 years. She is a great inspiration for me and others students.
What is the difference between Tai Chi and Chi Kung?
Chi Kung (Qigong) is a powerful energy healing system that connects the body, mind and spirit. Some believed it originated in China over 5000 years ago and is the foundation of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). It's an ancient healing art utilizing meditation, movement exercises, self-massage, and special healing techniques to regulate internal functions of the human body. There are many Qigong systems now in existence. I learned and practice many styles of Qigong, including LAMAS Qigong.
The founder of Tai Chi, Chan San Fong was also a Shaolin monk & Chi Kung master. He discovered Tai Chi in the 12th century. Tai Chi is Chi Kung (Qigong). It is actually a series of short qigong movements strung together to create a longer "form".
If one’s desire is to become a healer, they should study medical Qigong. LAMAS Qigong is a medical Qigong system and really affects our cerebral cortex, creating smooth chi flow within our body.
What is the range of ages for Tai Chi students?
You are never too young or too old to practice Tai Chi. Tai Chi are principles of harmony, balance, relaxation and coordination. Everyone can benefit.
What other questions would pertain to Tai Chi that you would like people to know?
Walking is Tai Chi. It is the harmony of Yin & Yang. Note, in order to walk, we have to put our weight on one leg (yang), then empty and move the other (yin). This feeling of empty (yin) and full (yang) allows us to move. Now try doing it slowly with balance, keeping a straight posture, coordinating our hands and feet, movement and breath. This will require patience, balance, focus and concentration. You are now in a state of Tai Chi.
The Journey we are Traveling is not Geographical.
It is the Distance between our Heart and Mind.
Conquering that distance, we shall find Inner Peace.
Namaste:
For more information visit www.atouchofchi.com
Sifu Gary Tong
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