Chinese Association of Idaho State University (CAISU)

Horoscope For February 2010 by Maya White

Imagine your child feels safe and loved at all times and has the self confidence to tackle anything.

Just like the waters of a powerful river or flood sweep everything out of their path, the CHI or energy generated by the animal frolics--the first qigong practice ever created (over 2000 years ago)--washes away obstacles to vibrant health, inner peace, constant love, and joyful living.

Just like a smooth, steady flow of water will clear out a clogged up pipe or smooth a rough stone, a steady of flow of CHI pulsating through our bodies keeps our arteries, veins, capillaries, and energy channels open while smoothing and soothing our emotional body.

Animal frolicking teaches us how to be and respond appropriately from a calm center in all circumstances. Sometimes we're as soft as a light morning mist or as gentle as a snowflake. Then there are times we need to be as hard as hail or as powerful as an avalanche.

For thousands of years the Chinese have been using the simple exercises, focused breathing, and internal focus and concentration of Animal frolicking to achieve TOTAL health-physical, mental, and emotional.

The American Journal of Medicine and Sports, (Vol III, Number II, March/April 2001) lists a series of studies showing that t'ai chi can improve concentration, focus, performance, physical and emotional balance, can reduce blood pressure, anxiety and depression, can improve reactions to stressful situations and can improve overall health by enhancing the immune system.

Improved blood glucose levels, weight loss, stronger immune system, better sleep, and more energy were among the benefits noted in the British Journal of Sports Medicine.

Each of the various animal exercises has specific as well as overall benefits for your child!

As your child soars like an Eagle, they develop balance, lightness, and agility. They cool and relax their whole body, balance their heart-energy, gently stretch their ligaments, and release tightness in their spine.

Eagle exercises help instill confidence, freedom, and grace.

The squatting, flying, stretching of legs and arms, strutting, balancing, controlled walking, keen focus, coordination of arms and legs together, and heart-centered resting of this frolic will truly enhance your child's Eagle Heart and much more!

Pretending to be a Bear will help your child develop deep-rooted power.

Bear frolicking helps create greater leg strength, strengthen the spleen and lower back, fortify the bones, and develop energy in the kidneys, which are the body's fundamental source of vitality.