The Blog

The Philosophy of Modern Wellness

Published on April 2024

As lifespans continue to lengthen, and our physical needs are met, thinking turns to quality of life as well as longevity. There are a host of fashions that are meant to guarantee an improved quality of life but how many can be said to work, and have scientific research to back up the claims? Health activities that can rightfully claim extensive proof are Tai Qi Gong and Qi Gong, those Chinese exercise routines practiced the world over.

You may not like the current Chinese autocratic politics or their expressed desire to dominate economically with the 500 year "Belt and Road Initiative", but on health and wellbeing the ancient Chinese knew a thing or two! Can we ignore the negative politics and economic ambitions and exploit the health and well-being elements for our own benefit. This article argues we can, and it requires taking a more inclusive approach to our exercise practices.

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Categorisation, Classification, Deconstruction

Published on April 2024

First a slight detour into perception, thinking and language as this guides efforts towards a more inclusive manner of exercise. A fundamental human ability is cognitive categorisation – to group certain things as "similar" and distinguish this group from other things that are "different". This core ability is exhibited in perception, cognition, language, and even social interactions.

We attach emotional values to certain of these groupings and "prefer" them to alternatives. Add to this the tendency to split groupings into ever smaller constituent parts, so-called "deconstruction", and we impose an artificial reality onto what is there. Hence the Zen seeking of the different reality independent of thought and language.

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One Mind, One Body

Published on April 2024

We have but one mind and one body (true for the vast majority of the population at least) so anything that impacts the interactions of these two is going to have a consequence. Overeating and lack of exercise will lead to obesity, whereas moderation and physical activity will lead to enhanced well being.

Likewise, stress and tension will, over time, have a negative impact on the mind-body balance, whereas peace and tranquillity will have a positive impact. So any form of activity, like Qi Gong and Tai Qi Gong, insofar as it engenders peace, tranquillity, movement and lengthening will have a positive impact.

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