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.

2025-12-2610:38

There is a clear correlation between respiration rate and brain waves, and it’s well-studied in neuroscience. The link works through neural, chemical, and mechanical pathways between breathing and the brain.
Slower, deeper breathing shifts brain activity toward slower, calmer brain waves. Faster, shallow breathing shifts activity toward faster, alert or stressed brain waves.
Alpha and theta brain waves are strongly associated with beneficial mental and physiological states — especially for calm focus, learning, and emotional regulation. Here’s a clear breakdown of what each offers, plus how they work together.
For more info and a 5-Minute Alpha–Theta Breathing Routine please refer to -> http://livingthetao.com/meditation/meditation-respiration-rate-brain-waves
#breathingmeditation #respirationrate #thetabrainwavesmeditation
Image courtesy of bebrainfit.com

2025-12-1612:31

I was not able to put this book down. It covered all essentials aspects of Chen Style Tai Chi. Starting with a very detailed history. Following it up with the three development stage, details about Silk Reeling, Zhan Zhuang, Pushing Hands as well as discussing various weapon forms. Overall a very good read for beginners but also for advanced Tai Chi practitioner.
For a more detailed review please refer to: http://livingthetao.com/book-recommendations/tai-chi/the-essence-of-taijiquan-by-david-gaffney-davidine-sim
#taichi #chenstyletaijiquan #essenceoftaijiquan

2025-10-1108:15

Master Chen Xiaowang’s Ten Core Theories of Tai Chi.
It is only a brief article but with lots of information. I think it is a very good summary of the Chen Style Tai Chi principles.
Master Chen’s dedication over the past half-century has elevated Tai Chi to new heights. Through rigorous practice and innovative teaching, he developed a comprehensive Tai Chi system built on ten essential principles, offering profound insights into Tai Chi’s technical, theoretical, and practical aspects.
https://chenstyle.com/master-chen-xiaowangs-ten-core-theories-of-tai-chi/
#taichi #chenstyletaijiquan #taichiprinciples

2025-09-2008:21

In my opinion this is a must read if you are interested in Daoist Cultivation. The book is an easy read and gives you a fantastic intro into Daoist Cultivations. Lots of information in there.
Vitaly Filbert's book, Daoist Cultivation, Book 1: Fundamental Theory and Philosophy, explains the core concepts of traditional Daoist self-development, with a particular focus on the distinction between religious and spiritual Daoism. The book details fundamental terms and practices such as Qigong, Neigong, and Neidan, as well as the theoretical foundations of Yin-Yang and the Three Treasures (Jing-Qi-Shen).
#daoism #taoism #daoistcultivation #taichi #meditation #qigong #neigong #neidan @daoist_cultivation

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

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