Calligraphy and Preserving Health
Every man has his life, which falls into two aspects: physiology and
psychology. The two sides are in constant interplay with each other, and neither
is impossible without the other. Life experience has shown that Chinese
calligraphy, as an art form, can play a part in preserving the health of
those who practice it, something proven by the long lives of calligraphers in
history
While practicing calligraphy
is an artistic pursuit, when one is practicing it he or she is highly
concentrated and spellbound by the charm of the work, and turns a deaf ear to
the unpleasant things. A sense of calm and relaxation takes over, and a
comfortable psychological state occurs that is beneficial to both body and mind.
The subtle relationship between calligraphy and health can also be explained
from the viewpoint of "liangong (do exercise of a special skill, such as wushu
or acrobatics)."
The sitting-up gesture in practicing calligraphy is often compared to the
so-called "zuogong (sitting skill)" in qigong
(a system of deep breathing exercises). If one persists in sitting up and
practicing calligraphy for a while, the effects of qigong are achieved. This can
provide a healthy body and vigorous spirits.
Author: Jessie
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