“We feel like isolated objects within a world of objects. This is not a fact but a perspective,” writes Bob Klein,* author of Movements in Magic and Tai Chi teacher since 1966. You can expect to hear more wisdom from Bob in future posts.
Last week Dr. Curt Thompson** explained the neuroplastic triad: three components adults can add to their lives which will enhance the brain. In order to include all three points of the triad in my life, there needed to be an activity for the aerobic component, another for the focused attention component, and yet another component for providing a novel learning experience. At least that was my initial impression.
My response to incorporating the neuroplastic triad clearly affirms Klein’s quote: our modern day tendency is to think in terms of separateness rather than wholeness.
Though not initially apparent to me, I was involved in an activity that would meet all the requirements of the triad. It took an email from my Tai Chi instructor Ruth Kneile*** to clue me in. The message was short and sweet: “Tai Chi covers all the catagories.”
Suddenly my feeling that incorporating the triad into my life would require the addition of new activities needed to be changed. My perspective was not a fact. There was no longer any need to add something new to my schedule because now I could sense the wholeness thatTai Chi offered.
My need became giving a high priority in my schedule for practicing Tai Chi. Daily practice will meet my need for exercise, concentration, and novelty. As my study of Bob’s books becomes more consistent and my participation in Ruth’s excellent classes continues, my knowledge of this ancient Chinese martial art will increase. I’m betting there will be new neural pathways in my brain!
Having a healthy brain results in feeling alive. Klein says that while intellectually we may know we are alive, few of us feel truly alive.
Do you feel truly alive?
I’m curious how you will design your own triad. What will you do to get physical exercise, practice concentration, and keep something novel in your life?
As always, thanks for exploring the mystery – Nicky Mendenhall
If you would like to read this post on the Blog, click here: http://NickyMendenhall.blogspot.com
*Movements of Magic,1984. Bob Klein. Used by permission – personal communication.
**Anatomy of the Soul, 2010. Curt Thompson, M.D. Used by permission – personal communication.
***To contact Ruth Kneile for class schedules and information about her services: [ruth.kneile@gmail.com]