Take time each day to cultivate your life
Opening Movements: Standing Meditations
“Standing pole (zhan zhuang - also known as ‘holding the post’) is the most basic taijiquan exercise and is common to many Chinese martial arts. Typically, the arms are held in front of the body as if holding a large ball as the practitioner stands and quietly observes the natural ebb and flow of the breath. The standing pole exercise, however, can be practiced using any of the end postures from the taiji form. During “standing practice, a static posture is maintained for a period of time, with emphasis upon developing awareness of and maintaining the most efficient and relaxed structural alignment necessary to hold the position.” 
Opening Movement 1 - Holding Barrels
By practicing Holding the Barrels (original name: Hanging and Bracing), your Dai mai (belt vessel - one of your body’s extraordinary vessels) will open and further develop.
The belt vessel is one of the deeper channels of energy within the body. The Dai mai can be thought of as one of the deep and vast reservoirs of energy. This vessel is the only one that flows horizontally. It includes acupuncture points from the Liver, Kidney, and Gallbladder meridians.
The Dai mai functions to keep energy flowing effectively between the upper and lower parts of the body. Qigong and taiji are two of the methods for improving the energy flow of this vessel. This vessel can benefit issues of the waist and abdomen as well as the lumbar region and lower back.
Opening Movement 2 - Tracing the Taiji Symbol
(KS) While researching this movement (Tracing the Taiji Symbol) I came across a video by qigong teacher Randal Bodlak of the Bayside Martial Arts school. He taught a silk reeling style of Tracing the Taiji Symbol. The instruction was so articulate and clear that I was able to practice the movements myself. After I felt comfortable with the movements, I began sharing them with my students. Their response was overwhelmingly positive. I’m including the instructions for these movements here.
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Opening Movement 3 - Embracing The Breath
Your breathing system performs about 20,000 breaths daily. Breathing deeply is more efficient. The body is able to fully exchange incoming oxygen with outgoing carbon dioxide. Deep breathing slows the heart rate, lowers or stabilizes blood pressure, and reduces stress.
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