Continue to learn the long form by adding the 1st section of the 2nd segment.

Introduction to the 1st segment of the Yang style 108 long form.

Pefection is not the goal . . . Progression and improvement is the goal. Learn to accept your own expression of the form.

There are 8 words to describe Tai Chi breathing, but we need to learn to put them together in a natural way so that our breathing contributes to the relaxation response.

Understanding why you are doing what you doing is part of being Rooted and Grounded and it goes beyond the martial arts applications.

Understanding how to be "rooted and grounded" will help you be more stable in your movement. This episode discusses the different ways to make sure your base is stable in Tai Chi.

Tai Chi is "movement meditation" and is proven to help relieve stress. Dianne helps you move through the postures of Tai Chi and experience the mindful movement that will help your body release stress.

Tai Chi is a martial art. It is important to understand how the underlying principles support this idea and how it helps you "address an opponent."

Learn to practice applying the principles of Columns, Rotation, Moving from the Dan Tian and Substantial/Insubstantial weight changes using the Simplified 8 form.

Balance is important as a principle and as a benefit of Tai Chi. This episode dissects balance into "moving from the dan tian" and "substantial and insubstantial weight changes." It is important to understand how balance interacts with the other principles.

Discover how the principle of Rotation interacts with the other underlying principles.

The principles are what drive the benefits of Tai Chi. This episode takes the principle of Columns and uses individual movements to show how it interacts with the other principles.

You can unwind from your week with some simple warm-ups and doing the form with Dianne. Relax and include some soothing music if you like.

Try the 24 short form in different ways and challenge your thought process. Just make sure you want to have fun!

Tai Chi is proven to improve your executive functioning and help delay cognitive decline. This episode helps you challenge your brain by putting different movement patterns together. Put your ego aside and just have some fun with this!

Tai Chi is truly "movement meditation." Dianne covers how Essential #10 - Seek stillness in motion - is a wonderful capstone for all the Essentials.

When doing Tai Chi, one should be able to connect each movement, one to another. But you should also be aware of the energy flow and keeping it uninterrupted. Practice this concept with Dianne as she discusses "linked without breaks."

Tai Chi is "meditation in motion." As we look at Essential #8, we learn how to focus and integrate the internal with external.

Essential #7 addresses how upper and lower follow one another. Every movement is a full body, coordinated, effective movement if you focus on this essential.

Essential #6 is all about relaxation and not trying to "muscle through" the motions of Tai Chi. Learn how this corresponds with the 6 Harmonies of Tai Chi as well.

Dianne leads you through the Yang style 24 short form 5 times with an emphasis on each of the first 5 essentials of Tai Chi.

Sink the shoulders and drop the elbows. It seems like a simple thing, but it is actually much more complex and much more important than you think. Dianne helps you understand how this essential of Tai Chi will make a huge difference in the effectivenes of your movement.

Knowing where your weight is at all times will help you improve your balance. You will no longer be falling forward with each step. The principle of substantial/insubstantial is critical in Tai Chi and will help you with all of your movement.

Dianne explains the 3rd Tai Chi essential covering the importance of moving from the Dan Tian.