Qi Gong and Tai Chi have been developed across history to promote human well-being and enlightenment. The information on this blog, on my website, and in my courses, will guide you on your way to achieving better health, higher quality of life, and a reduction and prevention of pain and disease. I have been taught by internationally accomplished masters over the past 30 years, and I am committed to sharing the wisdom they have given to me with as many people as possible. I want to be your virtual Qi Gong / Tai Chi Master. I blog to promote both the learning of the ancient knowledge and its practice. I encourage you to read on, try some of what I recommend and see how you feel. If you feel better - do some more!

Let's think about a basic mind/body challenge: maintaining a straight spine all day long.

A straight spine promotes energy and blood flow to your internal organs and reduces internal stress.

Slouching and collapsing the back constricts movement and creates stagnation around the internal organs, spine, vertebrae, and disks.

Bulging disks, sciatica, lower back stiffness, and chronic pain could all be by-products of the negative effects that stem from years of improper posture.

A straight spine stimulates open and free lungs and deep breathing, encouraging more oxygen to flow throughout the blood system. Every cell in our body functions better with more oxygen. A straight spine also opens the back, and can promote greater freedom of motion.

Most of our furniture, both at home and at work, does not promote proper, straight sitting or healthy posture -- but it is not the furniture's job to straighten our spine! We can begin to sit and stand straight with a little extra awareness and effort. Straightening the spine throughout the day is pretty easy (just like deep breathing!) if we remember and practice a few key ideas.

First, understand I am not recommending what most people think of as good posture - the soldier standing at attention. Too stiff! Think about being more like an excellent dancer, or kung fu master: lithe and flowing, always in balance and upright. By developing more mind/body awareness through Qi Gong and Tai Chi practice, you will be able to maintain a straight spine, and your whole body will thank you!

Read on, put your mind in your spine and remember to breathe deep!

Please visit my website at www.ramelrones.com for more information about me and my work to promote a healthy mind/body connection through Tai Chi / Qigong. Or you can explore Tai Chi/Qigong in more depth with my online video courses at Udemy.com.