Live Chat with David-Dorian Ross

Thank you to everyone who participated in the live chat with David-Dorian Ross on Wednesday, July 29, 2015. Professor Ross truly enjoyed the chance to connect with his fans and students. In case you didn’t get a chance to participate, we’ve posted the live chat for anyone to read. Thanks again!

3rd & 7 37yd

Welcome and thank you all for joining us today as we discuss Tai Chi and Qigong with our esteemed guest, Professor David-Dorian Ross, International Master Tai Chi Instructor. You may begin sending your questions to Professor Ross by clicking on the Submit a Question button.

by The Great Courses 7/29/2015 10:59:14 PM

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Welcome everyone! It is such an honor to be here with the launch of the Professor Chat program. Tai Chi, Qigong and mindfulness practices have been a part of my life for more than 35 years and have given me health, great relationships and a compass for navigating the aging process. I am delighted to be able to share what I've learned with all of you.

by daviddorianross 7/29/2015 11:02:24 PM

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Dear Professor David-Dorian Ross, my name is Max Hofstetter and I am a fifteen year old recovering from a broken back. I have always had an interest in learning more about tai chi and the Chinese culture. If it was not for you amazing lecture series, I don't think my back would be as strong as it is today. Is there anything you recommend for me to practice to increase my qi? Also is there any books or videos you recommend me watching to take my tai chi and qigong practice to the next level. Sincerely--Max Hofstetter

by Max Hofstetter 7/29/2015 11:02:37 PM

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Thank you for teaming up with Great Courses. I am just beginning to watch the course. I enjoy that you start in a simple manner without a lot of complex movements.

by Robert Thorne 7/29/2015 11:06:50 PM

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Dear Max: I am so happy that you found the Essentials program, and that it has helped strengthen your back! I am so sorry to hear that a young man your age has had an accident like this. Of course the first thing I would always say is work with your physician to make sure any program is appropriate - but I'm going to assume that have already done that. To help build up Qi - remember to "work softer, not harder." The principles of Tai Chi are clear - wherever there is tension (which often happens when we work hard) the Qi cannot flow. I would also invite you to take classes with me - and I would be delighted to help you progress through Tai Chi.

by daviddorianross 7/29/2015 11:07:23 PM

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As a yang long form daily player I discover deeper tendons popping because of bad posture and a somewhat forward protuding pot belly and a hollow back. Should I just keep working them to see if they will stop poppling and open up into fluid motion it does not hurt but it signals that I am opening up restricted areas of my toso. I hope I am developing more openness in my body to go wider and deeper into my stance Do you agree that I should keep going as long as there is no pain and try to loosen up all the way to fluidity does this happen as a posture correcting response to deeper tai chi

by rabbidoctorshelly@gmail.com 7/29/2015 11:07:56 PM

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Dominic Quiré
@DominicQuire
@TheGreatCourses Mr. Ross, has working on the Taiji Zen Online Academy influenced you personally or professionally? #taichichat
Jul. 29, 2015
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by The Great Courses 7/29/2015 11:12:29 PM

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I have been practicing qigong for about a year and a half. I feel the energy in my hands but cannot feel the energy movement up the spine or down the front. I have been using the Lee Holden Medical Qigong videos which are good. Can your videos help me to continue and to advance the energy movement in my body? Ray P.

by rayandfran@att.net 7/29/2015 11:15:08 PM

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What stimulated your interest in Tai Chi?

by Tom 7/29/2015 11:20:56 PM

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Are you planning a part 2 of the course.

by Dave 7/29/2015 11:21:38 PM

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Has the concept of chi been scientifically proven?

by Jeff R 7/29/2015 11:25:32 PM

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Filming Tai Chi in Paradise on location in Hawaii
Professor Ross in Hawaii at sunset
Professor Ross in Hawaii at a wellness retreat

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by The Great Courses 7/29/2015 11:28:11 PM

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Minor question, David-Dorian, but is the salute on your course "Ching an, ching ping heng" in pinyan?

by DCL 7/29/2015 11:29:06 PM

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I am not progressing very well. While I like the educational aspect of your lectures, I don't want to go through them every time I want to practice. Any suggestions?

by Leslie, Portland, OR 7/29/2015 11:31:00 PM

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This is a great DVD on Tai Chi. Is the short form adequate to get the health benefits of Tai Chi or should one carry on to learn the long form. I always thought one should work out or train for 20 minutes at one time, or is more shorter training sessions with the short form as good.

by Lyle Munro 7/29/2015 11:32:15 PM

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Your comment on modifications with movements like Heel Kick Right/Left and Lower Movement & Rooster Stands on One Leg. How high does one need to kick and/or how low does one need to go?

by Harvey Joyner 7/29/2015 11:33:51 PM

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Just wanted to say thanks for the course. I practice everyday.

by Mariano 7/29/2015 11:36:00 PM

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Is Chi the same as zero point energy or scalar energy?

by ThinkerBelle 7/29/2015 11:36:29 PM

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Hi, Thanks so much for sharing your time. I have been working with your beginning Tai Chi DVD as well as the Great Course and am happy to say that I have gotten further away from having knee surgery! I have also been getting into Qigong, specifically the eight pieces of brocade. Is it OK to do both on the same days? Which should I do first? Thanks again. :)

by Josie Bloom 7/29/2015 11:39:08 PM

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We’ve received a number of great submissions. Thanks for your patience as Professor Ross answers your questions as quickly as possible.

by The Great Courses 7/29/2015 11:40:12 PM

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What is a good age to start teaching children the art of tai chi? My boys and I currently do yoga together. I usually do tai chi before bed after they are sleeping.

by MikeyRSinglemom 7/29/2015 11:40:58 PM

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Kevin Manzel
@KevinManzel
@TheGreatCourses @daviddorianross Can you recommend a book on the mythology/history in your course? #taichichat
Jul. 29, 2015
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by The Great Courses 7/29/2015 11:42:38 PM

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Any suggestions about how to select a Tai Chi style that works best?

by Harvey Joyner 7/29/2015 11:44:09 PM

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Sorry if this question keeps repeating LOL! Is it ok to do Tai Chi and Qigong on the same day? Does it matter which I do first? I love the Great Courses!

by Josie 7/29/2015 11:46:03 PM

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Professor Ross teaching a class

by The Great Courses 7/29/2015 11:46:36 PM

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I have really enjoyed your course. I am interested in the music you chose for the course. It is different than that I normally hear with Tai Chi, and it works well for me. I am interested in why you chose that and how you choose music for your student.

by Kelly 7/29/2015 11:48:12 PM

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What about those of us who teach Taiji Qigong? What is important for us to keep in mind as we share this practice with beginners?

by ThinkerBelle 7/29/2015 11:50:15 PM

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Does Tai Chi have any emotional release effect like in Forest Yoga?

by Avner 7/29/2015 11:51:44 PM

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I really enjoyed Professor Ross's course. I was hoping he could give me some advice: I broke my hip in a car accident when I was very young. Most of Tai Chi requires a good bit of pressure on the hips, but I was wondering if Professor Ross could suggest some principles a person could implement to make it easier on the hips? Thank you very much.

by David edited by The Great Courses 7/29/2015 11:54:22 PM

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I thought you were a quantum physicist. LOL. As you know I've been learning tai chi ball qigong and I use 1 ball. But I've seen you using two - I haven't finished reading the YMAA book yet and of course I'm waiting for yours to come out but is there a fundamental difference between 2 versus 1 ball?

by nawalnawras 7/29/2015 11:58:11 PM

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Due to the volume of questions, we will be extending the chat for another 30 minutes.

by The Great Courses 7/29/2015 11:58:22 PM

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Mr.Ross, I just wanted to thank you for creating this course! I recently received my copy and am eager to start the dvd(s), but have been reading over the full transcipt first. (Book worm that I am... and the included bibliography!!!! I feel I must swoon, gracefully of course) . Also hope for a part two/follow up course. Will there be a way to follow your progress with the study you're currently involved in?

by monalisa913 7/30/2015 12:01:08 AM

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This format is new to me. Will Great courses be sending an e-mail with the number of participants and feedback?

by Robert Thorne 7/30/2015 12:01:27 AM

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Thank You, Great Courses!

by ThinkerBelle 7/30/2015 12:01:35 AM

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Thank you for your course. I have been learning the short form since Jan and have eliminated the arthritis pain in my hip. However, I still have a great deal of difficulty quieting my mind to sleep at night. Do you have any suggestions?

by Pam 7/30/2015 12:03:39 AM

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I am so happy that you released this course. I recently purchased this and have watched it the past two days. After completing the first exercise, the Door and Parting the Wild Horses Mane, I was surprised that I was more relaxed. It was enjoyable. Can this help with hand stiffness---I have plates in both wrists. Thanks, again, for this course and the opportunity of this live event.

by Saundra 7/30/2015 12:06:01 AM

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I have a right rotator cuff problem. It is not torn but limits my range of motion. An orthopedic physician has given me a steroid shot in the past but it didn't work on a more recent visit. Any ideas?

by John Gargan - cure rotator... edited by The Great Courses 7/30/2015 12:07:37 AM

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I have recently purchased your Great Courses lectures on Tai Chi and Qigong. Is it necessary to have live instructor in addition to your lectures in order to learn Tai Chi and Qigong?

by Jeff R 7/30/2015 12:10:45 AM

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What's a great followup to Yang 24. The web lists a "more symmetric" Yang 42 maybe. I like the forms, as well as the daily qigong.

by Paul LoCoNOVA 7/30/2015 12:13:10 AM

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You mentioned you would like to give classes to Max (your first questioner I believe). Do you give classes in Tai Chi through a type of distance learning. If so how would I find out about these, basically how, where, when and costs. I already know your quality is excellent

by Lyle Munro 7/30/2015 12:15:24 AM

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Is there any particular music or soundtracks that are well-paced for accompanying the practice of TaiChi? Meditation bowls, nature sounds, etc?

by pink 7/30/2015 12:17:46 AM

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Professor Ross, thank you for the great course! You mentioned that you had difficulties with sitting meditations and tried Tai Chi instead. Do you think it can be a replacement for sitting meditation or just makes learning it easier?

by Andrey 7/30/2015 12:19:57 AM

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am a beginner and interested, have gotten course. Have you advice to share on when breath goes in and when out with movements. Also any advice on placing one's attention(mind) which can wander. Thx.

by pat r 7/30/2015 12:21:56 AM

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Professor Ross' course, Essentials of Tai Chi and Qigong, is on sale now. Visit the course page to learn more.

by The Great Courses 7/30/2015 12:22:14 AM

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What advice would offer to those whose mobility is significantly compromised (e.g. degenerative arthritis, parkinson's disease, etc.)?

by Harvey Joyner 7/30/2015 12:24:38 AM

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Good evening Professor, I am enjoying your Tai Chi and Qigong course. I Hope you can answer some of my questions. Is Qigong common to all martial arts? Can it be developed outside of Tai Chi? In the same line as the other commentator, I would appreciate if you could point to more resources/videos for further Qigong practice. Thank you.

by Sergius 7/30/2015 12:28:06 AM

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Thank you so much for joining us this evening. A special thank you to Professor Ross for taking the time tonight, and providing us with such insightful answers to your questions. For those who participated in today's giveaway on Twitter, we'll be notifying winners tomorrow morning. We hope you will join us for future chats with our Great Courses instructors.

by The Great Courses 7/30/2015 12:31:34 AM

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I'd like to thank everyone for all these great questions! I would love to continue with you - so I want to invite you to take a class with me. I teach a class online daily from my website at daviddorianross.com. You can also see these sessions live using the Meerkat app. These classes are free - just my way of giving back to my world and saying Thank You for all your generosity and support.

by daviddorianross 7/30/2015 12:34:31 AM

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