Lost

As some people get older, myself included, we still feel like just yesterday we were 20. Having thoughts fly through our minds, faster than we can keep track of them. Wanting to run from our problems and our suffering. How can we stop? How can we slow down? How can we find a path? Are we dreaming this life? How can we find joy in our life? Day to day we forget who we are. We sometimes need help from feeling totally lost. 

The issue isn't necessarily whether to run from suffering or not. Difficult situations fall into three categories: things we can fix, things we have to put up with and things we should walk away from. The ability to tell which is which doesn't come automatically. When your mind is racing with anxiety and you don't know how to make even basic decisions, suffering mounts on suffering. Seeing a way out becomes all but impossible when your energy is completely taken up with simply coping. 

To find a way out, you first need to find some mental stability. At this point, you shouldn't focus on clinging to a few scraps of happiness, obsessively analysing your predicament, running from one helper to another, escaping into fantasy, suffering in silence, wrestling with yourself or being in a state of constant complaint and worry. We may not be doing all of these things, but I have no doubt that at least a few apply. These are futile tactics. They are getting you not one inch closer to a solution. By an irony of the mind, we all do more of what never worked in the first place. I personally know how that works, and I am still myself trying to get off the merry-go-round whirling in my own mind. 

It's time for a realistic game plan. Sit down with a piece of paper and give it the title "Mental Stability" or "Calming My Mind." Itemise 10 steps you could take to become less anxious, restless and worried. Once you've made your list, choose the top three things and actually follow them up. 

Your list of remedies might include the following:

Learn to meditate 

Reduce everyday stress 

Avoid negative situations and people 

Find an enjoyable, positive outlet 

Open up to a friend whom you trust 

Ask for comfort from a pastor or a mature, compassionate friend 

Set down a cherished goal with steps for reaching it 

Organise your finances and live within a budget 

Heal old emotional wounds 

Clean and straighten up the house; make your work environment orderly 

These are familiar steps to many readers of this blog, but if you take them seriously and act upon them, you will begin to regain your balance and feel more secure within yourself. Without control over your own life, the result will be inner confusion and distress. Make sure, before anything else, that you feel safe and protected and have trust in the people closest to you. When writing down your list, be specific. You need to know exactly what steps you plan to take and who you are going to approach for help, kindness and guidance. Your mind may be a present source of distress, but it is also your source of healing. 

Meditation in motion

Many years ago I used to study Tai Chi, mainly due to the amount of stress I was under at the time due to my work. I initially chose it over Yoga, as I felt it fitted me better. As with much of my Spiritual learnings, I stepped off of this path and became somewhat lost in the endless pathways, but as it is with many people, they all seem to converge back together at the same point. So once again I find myself watching videos and re-educating myself in this ancient Chinese art.

Tai Chi is a type of martial art that has evolved over the years into an effective means of alleviating stress and anxiety. It has been considered to be a form of 'meditation in motion' which promotes serenity and inner peace.

Tai Chi is an ancient Chinese tradition, its beliefs are thought to have been created by the Taoist monk Zhang Sanfeng in the 12th century.

The phrase "t'ai chi ch'uan" translates to "supreme ultimate fist" or "boundless fist". Tai Chi has influences that go back to Taoist and Buddhist monasteries.

Tai Chi is considered to be safe for people of all ages as it does not put too much stress on the muscles and joints.

In addition to being safe, Tai Chi is also inexpensive as it does not require much equipment. It can be practiced either in a group or alone.

Modern research has found that Tai Chi has positive effects on balance control, fitness, and flexibility. In addition, the martial art has been claimed to reduce the risk of falls among elderly individuals who have suffered from severe heart conditions.

History of Tai Chi

Tai Chi has various different styles and variations, each of which has its own lineage and date of origin. Some forms of Tai Chi focus on health while others stress competition or self-defence.

The concepts of Tai Chi go back to the beginning of written Chinese history from Taoism and Confucianism. The founder of Tai Chi is believed to be Zhang Sanfeng.

There are stories that claim Zhang Sanfeng left his monastery to become a Taoist hermit and created his own form of fighting based on softness.

Sanfeng is thought to have said:

"In every movement, every part of the body must be light and agile and strung together. The postures should be without breaks. Motion should be rooted in the feet, released through the legs, directed by the waist and expressed by the fingers. Substantial and insubstantial movements must be clearly differentiated."

What are the health benefits of Tai Chi?

The health benefits of Tai Chi are currently being widely studied. The art has been associated with reduced stress, anxiety, depression, and enhanced mood, in both healthy people and those with chronic conditions.

In addition, Tai Chi has been shown to improve aerobic capacity, increase energy, and build muscle strength.

There are health benefits associated with Tai Chi for people suffering from:

Parkinson's disease - a study found that patients with Parkinson's disease who practiced Tai Chi experienced significantly improved walking ability, posture, and fewer falls.

Chronic heart failure - researchers revealed that patients with chronic heart failure experienced a better quality of life and mood if they regularly practice Tai Chi.

Fibromyalgia - people living with fibromyalgia responded well to Tai Chi. They reported relief from joint pains as well as other symptoms.

Diabetes - Tai Chi can improve blood glucose levels and immune system response in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Depression - a weekly tai chi exercise class could be very effective at treating symptoms of depression.