Living the Tao

I'm just an ordinary person studying Tao/Taoism and Tai Chi

with the aim to apply my learnings to our modern world.

Here are some of my comments/thoughts from my journey so far.

2025-08-2807:56

This is my go to book if I need to refresh/confirm my 42 or 42 sword form. Personally I think it is a must have book for every Tai Chi practitioner.
This book was published by 北京体育大学出版社 (Beijing Sport University Press), and approved by 中国武术研究院 (Chinese Wushu Research Institute) and 中国武术协会 (Chinese Wushu Association).
The following team members were contributing to the book: Men Huifeng, Ji Yue'e, Zhang Shan, Li Tianji, Li Deyin, Zhang Jixiu, Li Bingci, Hui Nailiang and Que Kanfan
Summary of the Book
This book is an official instructional manual on the 42-Form Taijiquan and the 42-Form Taiji Sword (剑), both of which were created in the late 1980s to serve as standardized competition routines.
Purpose:
To provide a unified competition form for Taijiquan and Taiji Sword at national and international wushu events.
To blend techniques from the four major Taiji styles (Chen, Yang, Wu, Sun) into a balanced routine.
Content:
Detailed Step-by-Step Descriptions of the 42 Taijiquan movements (拳) and 42 Taiji Sword movements (剑).
Illustrations Read More

2025-08-1308:18

Struggling with many thoughts during meditation ?
Maybe the choiceless awareness meditation might work for you well.
Choiceless Awareness meditation is a form of mindfulness where the practitioner observes whatever arises in the present moment—thoughts, sensations, emotions, sounds—without judgment, preference, or control. The term was popularized by Jiddu Krishnamurti, a 20th-century philosopher and spiritual teacher.
Key Features of Choiceless Awareness:
-Non-selective Attention
You don’t focus on any one object (like the breath or a mantra). Instead, you’re open to everything that comes and goes in your field of awareness.
No Judgment or Resistance
Whether it’s a thought, a pain, or an emotion, you don’t label it as good or bad. You simply notice it and let it pass.
-No Effort to Control
You’re not trying to change your experience—only to witness it. There is no “meditation goal” like relaxation or bliss.
-Direct Experience
It’s about being with what is, moment by moment, without involving beliefs, expectations, or analysis.
How to Practice Choiceless Awareness:
-Sit quietly, eyes closed or softly open.
-Let your attention be Read More

2025-08-0318:01

Micro meditation refers to very short bursts of mindfulness or meditation, typically lasting from 30 seconds to a few minutes, designed to calm the mind and reduce stress in the middle of daily activities.
Here is one for energy:
🔆 For Energy – “Bright Breath Reset”
Sit up straight and take 3 quick, energizing breaths:
- Inhale through the nose
- Exhale sharply through the mouth
- Now breathe slowly, in and out through your nose.
- As you breathe in, imagine light filling your chest.
- Say silently: “I am awake. I am clear.”
- Open your eyes wide. Stretch if you like. Return to your day with fresh energy.
#meditation #micromeditation #brightbreathreset

2025-07-2610:17

Micro meditation refers to very short bursts of mindfulness or meditation, typically lasting from 30 seconds to a few minutes, designed to calm the mind and reduce stress in the middle of daily activities.
Here is one for stress relief.
🌬️ For Stress Relief – “Let Go With the Exhale”
1. Sit tall but relaxed.
2. Inhale slowly through your nose (4 seconds).
3. Exhale through your mouth with a gentle sigh (6 seconds).
4. Silently say:
Inhale: “I breathe in calm.”
Exhale: “I release tension.”
5. Repeat for 5 breaths.
6. Let your final exhale be long and soft.
7. Open your eyes gently.
#meditation #micromeditation #stressrelief #letgowithexhale #letgo

2025-07-2115:56

🌿 1-Minute Micro Meditation: "Five Calming Breaths"
1. Find Stillness
Sit or stand comfortably. Soften your shoulders. Close your eyes if you feel safe to do so.
2. Bring Your Focus Inward
Gently bring your attention to your breath. No need to change it—just notice it.
3. Take 5 Slow Breaths
- Inhale slowly through your nose (about 4 seconds)
- Exhale gently through your mouth (about 6 seconds)
- Count each breath silently: One... Two... Three...
4. With Each Exhale, Release Tension
Imagine any tension melting away with your breath—shoulders, jaw, chest, belly.
5. Return to the Moment
On the fifth breath, open your eyes. Notice how your body and mind feel—just observe.
#meditation #micromeditation #fivecalmingbreaths

2025-07-1810:47

I personally love Micro Meditation. We are all busy and sometimes it is hard/impossible to find uninterrupted time for meditation but micro meditation can you still give you a boost/fix in regards to meditation.
Micro meditation refers to very short bursts of mindfulness or meditation, typically lasting from 30 seconds to a few minutes, designed to calm the mind and reduce stress in the middle of daily activities.
🔹 Key Features of Micro Meditation:
- Duration: 30 seconds to 5 minutes
-Focus: Breath, body awareness, a mantra, or simple observation
- Setting: Can be done anywhere—at your desk, in the car, waiting in line
- Goal: Reset your nervous system, increase focus, and reduce stress quickly
🧘‍♂️ Examples of Micro Meditations:
One-Minute Breath Awareness:
- Close your eyes, focus on your breath for one minute
- Breathe slowly and evenly—inhale 4 seconds, exhale 4 seconds
Body Scan (1–2 minutes):
- Bring awareness to your body, starting from the feet up
- Just notice any tension without trying to change it
Gratitude Pause:
-Take Read More

2025-06-2216:12

This is my all time favourite illustration of the Zhang Zhong pose.
The source of this image is from Brisbanechentaichi.weebly.com. Please visit their website which provides tons of great information.
Zhan Zhuang (站桩), also known as standing meditation or standing post, is a foundational practice in Chinese internal martial arts (such as Tai Chi, Xing Yi Quan, and Ba Gua Zhang) and Qigong. The term translates to "standing like a post" or "standing like a tree." It involves holding specific static postures for extended periods to cultivate internal energy (Qi), improve physical health, and develop mental focus.
Key Features of Zhan Zhuang
Static Postures:
Practitioners stand in specific positions, often with the arms held in front of the body as if embracing a tree (hence the name "standing like a tree").
Common postures include Wuji Stance (neutral standing) and Hugging the Tree (Cheng Bao Zhuang).
Relaxation and Alignment:
The body is kept relaxed but aligned, with proper posture to allow the free flow of Qi.
Emphasis is placed Read More

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