Several time-tested physical practices can help you on your journey toward happiness. These include hatha yoga, t’ai chi chuan, and aerobics. Many people commonly practice these disciplines purely for the physical benefits they impart. Here I want to talk about the psychic benefits.
Hatha Yoga
The yoga masters developed hatha yoga to aide in meditation and concentration. This discipline is mostly practiced now because it increases flexibility and strength, but its original purpose still holds. Long periods of sitting meditation are difficult to maintain if your body is not in good shape. Many of the poses in hatha yoga help you to relax and concentrate, two basic requirements for meditation.
T’ai Chi Chuan
As I discuss in Appendix 1, on the Tao, t’ai chi chuan was developed long ago as a way of increasing the ch’i, or life force, that a person has available. The physical exercises in this discipline are designed to draw ch’i into the body and unblock ch’i that is already in the body.
Aerobic Exercise
The repetitive nature and simplicity of aerobic exercise, such as jogging or riding on a stationary bicycle, make these perfect activities for practicing mindfulness.
My favorite exercise is a reclining stationary bike. Often I get on the bike, set the timer for 40 minutes, and then go immediately into a state of mindfulness. There is something about engaging the full body in an automatic activity that promotes intense mindfulness. For me, the mind gets really quiet and for long periods, I am aware of only my body.
Quigong
Quigong, like t’ai chi chuan, was originally developed by Taoists and has psychic as well as physical benefits.