A Wee Bit of Alchemy with Rick Barrett #114
Channel: Rick Barrett
Date: 2022-08-24

Rick Barrett presents "A Wee Bit of Alchemy". Some helpful tips for getting the most from Taijiquan, Qigong, and meditation.  

00:00- 14:45  Q: "How do we quiet the chattering inner voice?"
The "default mode network" in the brain has been programmed by evolution to stay on line whenever the brain is not task oriented. The simple answer is: give your brain something to do. Conscious feeling/doing trains the brain to activate functions other than the default mode network. 

21:18- 27:40  Q: Is lifting weights bad for your Taijiquan? 
Maybe. Depends on how you do it. Some weight training reinforces habits that work against your Gongfu. However, there are ways of using resistance to train Song and Fang. It can bring conscious attention to the Yin or Yang ways we use our muscles. By starting with light weights and learning to trust Song and Fang, we can gradually add more weight and increase our effective power. Doing it slowly allows time to bring attention to extraneous muscular tension. 

27:47-  Exercise: Using light weights to explore Song and Fang 

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Rick Barrett teaches Tai Chi and offers Energy Healing in New York City.

He is the author of two books:

Finding You in a World of It (www.amazon.com/finding-You-world-Rick-Barrett/dp/0996058850)

Taijiquan, Through the Western Gate (www.amazon.com/Taijiquan-Through-Western-Rick-Barrett/dp/1583941398)

For more info please visit rickbarrett.net

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