Rainbow Tai-Chi Teaching
Rainbow Tai-Chi is unique. Based on a series of fifteen simple Tai-Chi and Chi Kung exercises Rainbow Tai-Chi truly engages the Heart, Body, Mind and Spirit of every student. It is an open-hearted approach - seeking to explore our emotional world through direct experience with love, compassion, integrity and acceptance. We learn to be more open, more grounded, more still and more accepting of our own and others' lives. We are all here to enjoy ourselves too!
The physical exercises are wonderful for helping us let go and relax more, bringing a greater sense of health and rejuvenation by encouraging the energy to flow around our body. We may feel that energy (the Chi) directly too - a tingly, uplifting feeling that connects us to the natural world. We really begin to feel part of Nature. The exercises are slow, gentle and suited to everyone, irrespective of their age or state of health. Rainbow Tai-Chi has dramatically helped many students with chronic health problems.
Rainbow Tai-Chi is underpinned by ancient Taoist philosophy, which is just as applicable now as it was thousands of years ago. We begin to understand how everything works - this greater awareness of life itself helps us come to terms with our own mental concepts and belief structures. Life just gets simpler!
Rainbow Tai-Chi helps us connect to our spirituality on our journey of self-discovery. We can redevelop our connection to the spiritual world and to Nature. Life gets more beautiful and fulfilling!
An excellent introduction to Rainbow Tai-Chi is the inspiring Fifteen Ways to a Happier You by, Peter Chin Kean Choy, ISBN 1-85626-281-2. You are strongly encouraged to buy a copy and read it before the retreat. It is available through bookshops and web-based booksellers.
Feedback
From running Tai-Chi classes and workshops over the past three years some common themes have emerged from participants' feedback. The spiritual connection is always important and the way that this is achieved through a range of simple yet useful techniques is very much appreciated.
"The teaching has been good - structured, focused, purposeful. It is designed to give a sense of achievement. The ideas behind the physical work are well integrated and clearly presented." Roz Parkes, March 2003
Students often comment that the exercises help them to relax and let go and that the emotions that naturally come up to the surface are given plenty of space for expression in a safe and supportive atmosphere. The resulting change in perspective often surprises people.
"I learned to be calm, mellow and to not panic about things. This is quite important to me. The most useful thing I have learned is to face what is wrong and not ignore it. The workshop was great and really enjoyable." Tommy Baker, Feb 2004
"I learned to trust in myself. To let go of goals. If I want freedom I must simply be free. If I want happiness, I should cultivate being happy. [It] helped me to let go of worrying preoccupations, to stop trying to analyse difficulties and to enjoy peace and stillness." Maureen Arnold, Oct 2004
Whatever else the participants say, they always remark about the fun and laughter we have all shared. Just look up at a rainbow and notice how a smile comes naturally to your face!
"I thought it was a perfect balance between fun activities, Tai-Chi exercises, deep heart-centred work, peace, stillness and learning the philosophy behind the 5th Fundamental Principle and Dimensions in Rainbow Tai-Chi. Fantastic, Fascinating and Fun!" Liz Gardner, Oct 2004
More about David
David fell in love with Tai-Chi nine years ago and studied with various teachers before establishing himself as a Tai-Chi teacher after successful careers in teaching, computer software and homeopathy. He met his current teacher, Peter Chin Kean Choy, in 2000 and has been working closely with him since then at the Rainbow Tai-Chi School in Devon, UK. He graduated as a Foundation Tai-Chi Trainer in 2003 and has also completed courses in Zhineng Chi Kung Healing (known as ChiLel in N.America) and Fusion of the Five Elements (pt1).