Those that are familiar with me know that I like martial arts. There is a great martial art that also happens to be an excellent body awareness exercise. It is also great at helping the elderly prevent falls and increase bone mass. It also happens to be a devastating martial art. What is this "Great ultimate fist"? TAI CHI. What? Tai Chi? Are you kidding?
Nope, not kidding. In fact, if you know the full anglicized name, it is TAI CHI CHUAN, or, roughly translated, "great ultimate fist". It is a great martial art, and quite devastating when it is sped up.
Now, to study Tai Chi, it helps if you know some of the history and philosophy behind the art. One of the philophers that is prominent in the history of Tai Chi is Lao Tzu. He is often quoted because of the wonderful words of wisdom he shared. One of his pearls is the saying, "The journey of a thousand miles begins with just one step." I think that is an awesome saying and very motivational. I first read it as a child, when I was looking at my father's high school year book of 1967. He was student body president and they had a full page picture of him with some of his words of wisdom. It just so happened that my dad started off his insight with that quote by Lao Tzu. He didn't know the quote came from a Tai Chi philosopher, but it was appropriate nonetheless.
The great thing about that saying is that it helps put things into perspective. When confronted with life challenges, especially about getting into shape, we often dwell on how daunting the journey is or how far, or how impossible to accomplish it seems. But, when we put one foot in front of the other, soon we'll be reaching our destination and will have accomplished all that we thought we could never do.
So, long story short: take the first step! Don't dwell on how impossible or how difficult or how long it will take. Just go, take the step and soon you will have reached your thousand miles and the view will be so special!
Go ahead!
I DARE YOU!
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Good job Dan! I think your blog is great and I am with you on the Fitness Dare. I exercise M-F mostly running on my treadmill, but resistance training too. I love exercising, but my struggle is with FOOD. I have begun a "No food after 9pm" campaign that is somewhat successful because that is the time when I eat sweets. Most days I eat VERY healthily until Chad comes home...yes, I am blaming him. Love you guys!
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