In the practice of all forms of Qigong, including the various styles of Taiji, there are a few guidelines that will give the most rapid growth and learning while helping you to stay in the comfort zone.

These practices are all very mild, however, many people are very at risk for injury, perhaps of the knees. The foot work in some forms of Taiji has caused some problems in a very small percentage of people. Always start carefully and allow your progress to be "slow but sure".

Some of the complex and vigorous forms of Qigong are contraindicated in people who are weak from illness or in the wisdom years. Be very hesitant to go to a Qigong or Taiji class and go to the front of the room. Linger in the back and follow these guidelines no matter what is happening in the class and you always improve, slowly but surely. In your personal practice time continue to progress carefully.

Do:

• relax deeply and allow the mind to be free of concerns and considerations. In China this state of mind is sometimes called "cheerful disinterest", "neutral" and "emptiness".
   
• practice daily if possible. The results you seek are the result of perseverance. Chinese tradition says "perseverance furthers". Carefully and correctly implemented Qigong and Taiji are safe to practice even several times a day. The practices are gentle and based on enhancing natural biological and energetic mechanisms of self restoration. If you are unwell enough to be off of work or school you have time to carefully do lots of Qigong or Taiji practice.
   
• in Qigong feel free to make up your own routine and change the practices to suit your needs, likes and limitations. One of the most powerful forms of Qigong is called Spontaneous Qigong and is completely intuitive.
   
• in Taiji it is generally less acceptable to modify the form. However, people with severe diseases should feel free to modify the practices to honor their comfort zone and potentiate self healing.
  
• always approach each practice from the richness of deep intention and belief in self healing. In the Health World libraries you will find research that clearly demonstrates the healing benefits of Qigong and Taiji. Keep it foremost in your mind that both Taiji and Qigong are profoundly healing practices. Rest in knowing that you have tapped a powerful pool of healing resources.
   
• allow the mind to rest in quiet indifference. Worry and anxiety turn off the naturally occurring, self healing resources. It is when the mind is free of concern that the profound, internal, self healing resources are spontaneously activated.
   
• notice that as you mature in these practices that the breath spontaneously regulates so that both the inhalation and exhalation are slow and somewhat full; not urgent, not exaggerated, just restful, intentful, conscious and notably calm.