What are the roots of Tai Chi?
Many of the principles informing Tai Chi and the postures of the form originate from observations of nature made by the ancient Taoists. Other evocative images we become familiar with as we practice include: Grasp the Bird’s Tail, Embrace Tiger and Return to Mountain, Wave Hands like Clouds, Step Up to Form Seven Stars, Retreat to Ride Tiger, and many more. Each of these images evoke a particular feeling, can be represented in movement, and have a specific application, with both health and martial arts aspects to them. Through observations of nature, the ancient Taoists learnt to live in harmony with it, and devised many art forms (the practice of Tai Chi being one of them) in order to cultivate a happy, healthy, and balanced relationship with all of life. Thus, the movements and principles of Tai Chi teach us how to live more in harmony with ourselves, those around us and our environment. The path of the ancient Taoists was one of listening and responding to the environment (rather th
