The Misconceptions of Spiritual Workouts

This morning I felt like an old woman. Why you may ask? Well for no reason at all I pulled a muscle in my shoulder getting up and now the entire left side of my back, mainly along my shoulder, burns and aches like a thousand tiny shards of glass are stabbing it. I decided to force myself out of bed anyways go take an ibuprofen get some breakfast and do some Tai Chi to make me feel better. Last semester I took a class at Hollins in the Yang 37 short form and in all honesty it's been the best class I've ever taken health wise, and it keeps me mentally focused and clear minded. 

Many people hear that I took Tai Chi, what is considered to be a spiritual martial arts and immediately assume that I must practice some traditional Asian religion. This is a huge misconception. Tai Chi is not only very healthy but it is extremely personal and spiritual. Just because someone is practicing Tai Chi it doesn't mean that they are a Daoist or a Buddhist.  Tai Chi is what you make of it. It's a workout where you focus on YOUR spiritual beliefs. It isn't a workout designed to make you meditate on any specific belief set. Personally when I practice Tai Chi I'm thinking about my own health, the way my body feels and my God (in case you're wondering I am a Christian). Afterwards when I meditate I'm still focusing on the same things. It's my exercise that I do a couple times a week to help me feel healthy and calm. 

A lot of people hear the term "spiritual workout" or "meditation" and automatically assume that it's something strange or a new age religion. This is a horrible misconception. Everyone has a different belief set and when they practice any spiritual workout it is according to what they believe and what they are choosing to meditate on. Like I said earlier for me it's my God and being as healthy as I can be. Being refreshed by Tai Chi and exercise is something that I always look forward to and that really helps me get through my week. I highly encourage everyone to find that for themselves. Whether it's a workout, meditation, reading, or some form of art, it will increase your mental capacity and have you feeling 100% better. Right now I'm going to end this entry and go do some more Tai Chi, MY way, without any misconceptions and go feel better.