TRADITIONAL CHINESE SYSTEM OF FIVE ELEMENTS
The system of the Five Elements is a cosmological theory that explains the path of the vital energy qi (chi) through the yin and yang phases and their interaction in the entire space-time continuum. Qi goes through five basic stages of transformation (wood, fire, earth, metal, water). Each phase bears the name of a physical element that is its typical representative (character bearer) in the physical world. The term "element" is a literal translation from Chinese, and in its Cartesian flatness is somewhat inadequate. It would be more accurate to say that it is about states, transformations or forms of manifestation of energy.
The cultural tradition of ancient China and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) view man as an inseparable part of nature and the universe. The Five Elements system is a kind of tool for communication with nature and the universe. Nature and the universe, with their colors, sounds and shapes, affect our emotional, psychophysical, aesthetic and energetic state. The whole universe is one whole. The whole is divided into parts. The earth is a part of the universe, and it is a whole in itself. All things in the world form a whole. Each individual has their own unique energy constitution. We must practice diligently and get to know the universe. The universe is the fundamental instantiation of our personal ecology.
It is really not easy for the man of the (post)modern West, a subject of anthropocentric and mechanistic templates in thinking and acting (Cartesian paradigm), to understand this cosmic harmony that moves the entire universe.It is said: He who knows the natural changes also knows the actions of the gods. However, skills compatible with traditional Chinese skills are also increasingly being developed in the West. A good example of this is craniosacral methods.
With all that in mind, we decided to launch a New Program, that is, a new structure for practicing traditional Chinese skills. We will learn to listen to our own body, our breath, develop presence, relaxation, self-observation and acceptance from the perspective of the Five Elements system. Literally, it is about becoming aware of the body, movements, breath, organs, tissues, meridians, emotions, of another person. There is an unexamined space and moment of perfecting position and movement, and we should persist in that. Emphasis will be placed on shorter sequences, deeper meditation and a richer flow of healing energy. The idea is to awaken and stimulate peculiar creative energies (and latent talents) through this new approach, which reflects the broader meaning of therapeutic well-being.
Comprehensive work on each of the five elements would take place over a period of 2 months. So, 5 elements x 2 months. At the end of every two months, we will organize an exhibition of works (painting, poetry, short story), and a reception, with music and dance, where we will summarize the information and discuss the results achieved from the common energy field.
We will also improve the building elements of our joint trainings. In addition to the usual warm-up, standing meditation, self-massage and self-therapy according to the elements, we will introduce the treatment of healing sounds of the organs according to the elements, imitating animals according to the elements, stimulating the meridians, purifying negative emotions and gaining virtues according to the elements. Of course, we will insist even more persistently on correct posture, focus on the center, correct breathing, absolutely coordinated balancing of the body and use of the mind. We will practice Qi gong and Tai chi exercises according to the elements (we cultivate qi in the body). We will place special emphasis on working in pairs: attentive listening and mutual monitoring of the other.
Qi gong
Qi gong is an integral part of Traditional Chinese medicine (medical and health aspect), but also includes martial, artistic and spiritual aspects. Gentle exercises connect our body, breathing, energy and mind into one integrated whole. The regular practiseof Qi gong improves and develops our qi (vital energy), which brings improvements in our posture and the way we move.
Taijiquan
It is a highly developed system of harmonizing the external body with internal energy. Its external movements stretch and strengthen the muscles, tendons and ligaments while the unique spiraling and twining movements massage the body’s internal organs as well as circulate qi energy throughout the body.
It combines power, grace and agility, and it is a mean of self-expression for many. One of the features that defines Taijiquan as an internal martial art is the search for stillness within movement, and movement within stillness. Taijiquan incorporates the extra dimensions of awareness and stillness. Chen theory closely reflects the Daoist ideas of separating the heavy and light qi.When practicing taiji, the lower half of the body contains heavy, opaque qi. The practitioner aims to sink this energy down in the body, making the lower body feel extremely heavy, stable and rooted on the earth. At the same time, the upper body is filled with clear qi, causing it to feel very light and buoyant.
Spontaneity arises from an understanding of the universal principles of nature. Taiji follows a characteristic Daoist approach, using the body naturally with dexterity and balance rather then resorting to brute force. Outwitting one's opponent rather then colliding head-on is a desirable outcome.This wholeness is expressed in one of the fundamental principle: Once moving, no part of the body must be still.
The essential path of training is relaxation (song) leading to softness (rou). From the ensuing soft and relaxed state hardness (gang) develops. With the use of the silk-reeling energy, the softness can be highly concentrated, so that it is focused on one particular point. Through rapid emission it becomes hard. At the extreme of hardness, softness again follows, completing the cycle. The practitioner alternates and coordinates the two forces so that, in practice, the form should be relaxed, soft and balanced, outwardly calm but inwardly strong.