The Learning Path of Classical Tai Chi in the Year of the Dragon

Master Stephen Hwa as a celebrant of Chinese New Year giving crisp dollar bills in a red envelope to the mouth of his Lion friend.


Link to Master Stephen Hwa demonstrating "Round" and "Square" Form for the IBPS Miami, Fl

Link to video of Lion Dance at 4:45 you can get a glimpse of Stephen and Eva Hwa
Ahh...Sunny Florida

This Chinese New Year gives us all hope for a better year in 2012 and it begins this Monday the 23^rd. It is the 2^nd new moon after the Winter Solstice of December 22, 2011. The Chinese year 4710 begins on Monday with the new moon, and in Master Stephen Hwa's hometown in Wuxi, Jiangsu Province it is considered the beginning of Spring.

The dragon is the major symbol of good luck. In this context, we can expect great things in 2012 for since 1996 we have been through the longest unfavorable period in the 60-year cycle of Chinese astronomy. The dragon marks an end to the destructive period and the beginning of better things to come.

• The tradition begins before New Year's Eve by cleaning out your physical, spiritual and emotional closets. Attempt forgiveness, let go of grudges and genuinely wish peace and well-being for all.
• Celebrants give crisp dollar bills to friends, family and associates in red envelopes, expressing prosperity, joy and happiness. At midnight on New Year's Eve, windows are opened to bring good luck and a fresh start. Fireworks close the night to frighten away evil spirits and bad luck.
• Fitting in perfectly for the ultimate goals of Classical Tai Chi, everything associated with the New Year is meant to reflect good fortune and positive affirmations, encouraging a healthy lifestyle.
• Greet people who bring you joy with a spontaneous smile and habitually offer them positive intentions. Implement a schedule that allows for exercise, good food, meaningful work and time for yourself. Sticking with a routine will help you make it through the winter.
• The Chinese New Year celebration typically ends on the full moon with a colorful dragon parade in the street. The dragon is a sign of passion and self confidence. Dragons are brave, honest and dependable.
• Dragons frequently help others but rarely ask for help. Many dragons prefer to be alone, and can be misinterpreted as arrogant or conceited.
• Practice understanding because, like many of us, dragons can have a quick temper and suffer signs of stress. Symptoms can be headaches, depression and high blood pressure. Dragons can calm the mind and tone the body by practicing Classical Tai Chi

The Chinese New Year greeting "gung hay fat choy" is more than just a wish or desire, or a hope or belief. It presupposes that you already have the means for which congratulations are due.