This is probably the most important thing to keep in mind: your goal for learning tai chi. Is it for relaxation? Mindfulness? To learn a new skill? Or maybe it’s because you’ve seen people in the park practicing tai chi and it looks so beautiful, you want to learn it too.
The end goal for any new skill needs to be clear and it needs to be achievable. Set your realistic goals within an achievable time frame and then create a plan of action to achieve those goals.
The RMTC online programme will guide you step by step through the different skills, techniques, and postures of Tai Chi and Qigong. The vast collection of videos will be your ‘go-to’ library, your resource for achieving your goals through dedicated and patient practice.
There may come a time, however, when you feel you can practice on your own, to see what you remember and how well you remember it. Practicing independently feels different from following a video on the TV. You can create a world where you can enjoy the true nature of Tai Chi - moving meditation. This would be the ultimate end goal: to be able to practice 5 Form, or 10 Form, or even the Beijing 24 on your own.
There are many reasons we are drawn to tai chi. Many students just want to be able to relax during the tai chi session. They don’t particularly want to remember the movements but they use the videos for a mindful and peaceful session. This is their main goal - relaxation and mental well-being.
Others enjoy the challenge of trying to remember the exercises and some want to learn a complete Form so they can practice independently. Pursuing these goals cultivates our cognitive and physical abilities.
Many students’ journeys last a lifetime, with new skills, knowledge, and awareness continuously being discovered with each practice session.
Whatever your goal is, it needs to be clear and reasonable. Once you have set your goals, you need to then formulate a plan of action
Tips for goal setting:
*be specific
*be realistic
*schedule your practice and stick to it
*keep a diary of your progress (and don’t forget that there will be ‘good’ sessions and ‘bad’ sessions!)