Now a thought on the immune system and impact of Tai Chi practice:
This past July (2020) the National Institutes of Health published a summary of clinical studies on Tai Chi and immunity. Their conclusions were that after 12 weeks of practice (3 -5 times a week) both the adaptive and innate parts of the immune system showed improvement. These were controlled studies and the degrees of improvement were small but measurable. This is some good news during the COVID-19 and vaccine era.
My thought is that there’s a lesson for all of us here. My own belief is that too frequently we look for dramatic shifts and changes. Subtle shifts or changes actually, in the long run, turn out to be most effective. Evidence shows this is true for weight loss, changes in blood lipid levels, strength-building, and psychological transformations. This also translates, also in my own experience, into appreciating the smallest acts of kindness and generosity.
The Jewish religious tradition has a fascinating insight into this. It suggests that the “highest form” of kindness and love takes place when a society has policies and laws that build in the highest standards of justice and compassion. Then life unfolds in a balanced, gentle, and harmonious way in which we are all involved subtly in caring and respecting one another. In other words, everything takes on a more caring and graceful dimension. Then, expressions of dramatic charity (that reinforce the gap between the rich and the poor) and are often used to reward the strong and wealthy are no longer needed. So the small, quiet, actions and movements that we make toward health, wellness, and spirituality become almost unrecognizable. We live then, not “doing” things, but exist in a “state of grace.”
Like the children and community folks who emerged on the harbor ice last week in a marvelous expression of joy, festivity, and community. All together, the young, the old, the rich, the poor, feeling the sun, delighting in those moments of sunshine and beauty in the midst of a cold Sunday afternoon.
Best of the week to you all!
Jon
The Cedar Tree Institute
With greetings from Diana
A deep thank you for those of you who have chosen, thus far, during this series to make a contribution to the ongoing work and projects of the Cedar Tree Institute! Remember, there is no obligation or any expectation involved for the Institute’s zoom series or Wednesday evening outdoor Tai Chi classes. This is a gift!
As I’ve written earlier, these months (the second year of the global pandemic), the Institute is honoring the tradition of “Dana” (Dhana), the practice of “a generous heart.” Under ordinary circumstances, income from our Tai Chi classes support the Institute’s summer tree planting projects with at-risk youth and assist in supporting training programs for hospice staff and workers.
Just in case there may be a few others of you new to our series or who may be interested in supporting our outreach, you can make a donation online by using the “Donate Now” button above. If you would rather send a check, you can address and mail it to The Cedar Tree Institute, 403 E Michigan St., Marquette, Michigan.
