What is Taichi Light: Part 4

Movement Seven: Salute to the Sun

The Movement: At the end of the last movement, as you are in a crouching position, begin to inhale, stand up and turn your torso slightly to the left and raise your right arm, palm facing up until it reaches over your eye level. Lift your right heel slightly so your can stretch higher. Follow your rising hand with your eyes. Keep your left elbow bend and your left hand at the waist with palm facing up. Then, begin to exhale as you lower your right arm and heel, crouching down and turning your torso to facing the front. Do six times alternating left and right.

The Breathing: Inhale when raising your arm. Exhale when lowering your arm.

The Imagery: Imagine you are alone in a beautiful beach just as the sun is rising.



Movement Eight: Turning Around to Watch the Stars

Transition: At the end of the last movement, while still in the crouching position, move your arms to form a circle in front of you as if you were holding a large ball.

The Movement: Begin to inhale. Slowly stand up while turning your torso to the left and back, and gently throwing your arms up in one continuous movement, so that your right hand would end up on top of your left shoulder and your left arm outstretched upwards. At the same time, turn your head to follow your left hand. Begin to exhale, turn your torso back and swing your arms slowly back and return to the crouching position. Take care to keep your arms and body moving in unison. This is one movement cycle. Do this six times alternating left and right.

The Breathing: Inhale when rising up; exhale when lowering down.

The Imagery: Imagine you are strolling on a prairie at night, playfully catching fireflies, and are surprised by some mysterious music coming from the sky. You turn around and look up to find some bright stars smiling at you.



Movement Nine: The Perfect handshake

Transition: At the end of the last movement, stand up, put your hands at your waist with palms facing up.

The Movement: Inhale fully. Then, as you turn your torso half way to the left, exhale and slowly extend your right hand with palm facing halfway left. Then, inhale as you retrieve your hand back to your side and turn to facing the front. This is one movement cycle. Do this six times, alternating left and right.

The Breathing: Inhale when retrieving a hand; exhale when extending a hand.

The Imagery: Imagine you were practicing that perfect handshake, even though you may not be a politician.

(To acquire a DVD video of the Taichi Light exercise, go to www.taichilight.com)