The use of cue words is a cornerstone of my teaching style. Depending on the client, the goal and the class, I often use “cues” to make following along more easy. These cues can be for timing your inhales and exhales. There are times when the cues aid in proper weight distribution, learning the moves’ names, or explaining exactly what to do with your body as you flow through the moves. These cues are a pillar to helping you learn Tai Chi more efficiently and more confidently. Long after the class has ended, these repeated cues will help guide you in your personal practice.
But there is another purpose for a cue word. When focusing on the meditative and relaxing aspects of Tai Chi, I employ many breath moves. These moves use very little movement to allow you to a calming routine based in the power of the breath. This is predominately used in my signature Stress RX programs. Here the cue word is a structured differently.
When we attempt to force our minds to quiet there can often be a bit of push back from the brain. It seems the harder we try, the more determined our brains become in recalling our day, worrying about tomorrow, scanning our mental lists and so on. It is the same phenomena that makes it hard for people to fall asleep at night or return to sleep. This can also happen when we try to meditate or partake in a relaxing moment. The key is not to force the brain to cease its chatter but to give the beautiful, sometimes interruptive muscle something else to focus on. This is where cue words come in to play. Choosing a word that helps you calm and center is the entire goal. You repeat this word as you breathe either out loud or to yourself. Here are a few examples to give you a better idea.
Peace
Bliss
Calm
Love
Center
Tranquility
Serenity (you can add the word Now, if you like Seinfeld*)
Joy
These are just a few options but the quiet or silent chanting of your chosen word can amplify your brain’s ability to relax during your Tai Chi moves. Brain chatter is often the death of peace. Consider this list the next time you are attempting to quiet a racing mind, fall asleep, meditate or relax through Tai Chi moves and forms.
Cheers!
Gracie D Tai Chi 