Tai Chi Chih: Bass Drum

27 Apr

Travis |  April 27th,2010 | Random |  6 comments

Here we go with this week’s installment in the Tai Chi Chih “Joy Through Movement” series.  This time we look at Bass Drum.

*drum roll*

(Get it?)

Some key points:

  • Do what you can.  Push yourself, but not your limits.
  • The hand flutter in the left hand comes usually after about two years of regular practice and is a confirming sign that chi is flowing.
  • You may experience flushes of gentle warmth while practicing.  That is a good thing.

As always, I would love to get your comments on these exercises and their presentation.  Cheers!

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  • http://esthergallagher.com esther

    hi Trav. this is sooooo wonderful. perhaps you’d consider mentioning breath in each of these videos. your non-dogmatic approach is reassuring, AND breathwork helps connect mind and body in a grounding way, i believe, and is part of what gets that heart-rate healthier.

  • http://www.traviseneix.com Travis

    Esther, you make a great point. Perhaps we can film a short vid at tomorrow’s class? ;)

  • Marilyn

    Do you have a CD showing all the movements in Tai Chi Chih? If so, how can I purchase it

  • http://www.traviseneix.com Travis

    Marilyn, I do not have a DVD out yet. But, thanks for the vote of confidence! There appears to be a bit of a name use dispute, so I am working on ways to resolve that. Keep your eye on my site, I hope it won’t be too long before I have something to offer.

  • Susan

    Hi Travis,

    As I deepen my practice I appreciate finding new teachers such as yourself. It’s of great benefit, I believe, to hear and see a particular movement or form expressed slightly differently than I’ve heard/seen before.

    I have a question: A number of longtime practitioners I have met have developed the left hand tremor, which I see you have, as well. It’s counterintuitive, as Tai Chi in various forms is recommended to TREAT essential tremor. I’m a curious scientist, and I want to know why that develops. Do you know?

    Thanks for all you do.

  • http://www.traviseneix.com Travis

    Susan, I can only speak about the hand vibration from inside of the experience. What I learned from Justin Stone is that it is a byproduct of increased chi flow and indicative of a relaxed state and deep practice. It comes to most Tai Chi Chih practitioners after a few years of dedicated practice.

    From the inside I can tell you that it does not happen when I am not practicing, always happens when I do, has not affected my hand stability, and happens when I do other energy work practices as well. It often happens during certain Aikido breath practices, for example. Subjectively it is a feeling like the hand is being shaken by “something else.” It does not feel the same as when I shake my hand on purpose and the motion comes from the muscles. There is a feeling of flowing from inside to out, splashing along the inside lower arm, wrist, hand and finally out the fingers. If garden hoses could speak in language we easily understood I think it would be how they feel when the water is turned on full blast and they are allowed to flop about.

    That’s what I got for ya, for what it’s worth. ;)

Travis Eneix

Dedicated to looking at the self.