I talk to many folks these days who are looking for ways to manage stress and worries in their lives. With so much change happening in the world and sometimes even personally, it’s normal to feel a bit off-balance.

I really like the thought of having a “toolbox” of stress relievers to help cope with all the ups, downs and uncertainties (and are also good for me). My toolbox includes things like a hot bath, herbal tea, the occasional glass of wine (red, please), walking, meditation and reading inspiring books.

I must say, however, while all of those are good things, that what gives me the most solid sense of being present, calm and centered is an ancient Chinese martial art form, Taiji Quan. When the ground feels little less solid, it’s good to find the ability to root.

“Taiji is a vacation from your life”, said Andy Dale, teacher and practitioner of Taiji Quan, among other disciplines, and owner of Xin Qi Shen dojo in Ballard.

I’m not so sure I agree. At least for me, Taiji is very challenging.

Try standing on one leg while holding the other at waist level and moving it slowly from left to right while keeping your root and structure correct and remembering what your arms are doing (don’t try this at home).

But I understand what he’s saying. All of the focus on proper movement, balance and attention brings your mind to where it should be, in your body, and away from “thinking too much."

One of the key components of Taiji, and dare I say life, is to allow openness in your body so the chi (energy) can flow. This is accomplished by one seemingly simple thing: relax.

“If we’re not moving relaxed, we’re not moving strongly”, said Dale, “and relaxation is a result of being comfortable.”

Dale believes that ordering our bodies to relax isn’t very effective and tries a different tack. Instead, he suggests we ask ourselves a simple question: Am I comfortable?

Dale shared some advice that he gives to all of his new students: “(At) every stop light, every time you are waiting in line or for the microwave, take a second and reflect if you are comfortable. If you are not comfortable, you can’t relax.”

It’s really quite amazing to start listening to your body, especially when you are someone like me, who very rarely has. Am I comfortable? I ask myself while standing in line at the grocery store, and shift around looking for center. Am I comfortable in my mind?

“It’s like weight training, it needs to build,” Dale explained. “In six months to a year it becomes a habit. Practice being comfortable and relaxed as much as someone would practice weight training.”

The benefits of Taiji are well documented. Reduces blood pressure. Better sleep. More confidence. Better balance and overall physical and mental health. The list could go on, but what is so rather addicting about it is the same thing that makes it so effective for managing mental runaways, like myself: It requires you to become self-aware.

“Self-awareness is health potential”, said Dale, “The more in touch we are with ourselves the more we pay attention.”

And with Andy there to remind me, maybe I’ll learn how to pay attention, too.

Visit the Xin Qi Shen dojo Web site at www.wuji.com. Dale and his partner, Jay, also own and operate the ever-eclectic Emerald City Gardens in Fremont, formerly Fremont Gardens.

Rhonda lives in Ballard and is the Urban Crop Circle Project Leader for Sustainable Ballard and a slow learning T’ai Chi student. Questions, Comments, Ideas? You can reach her at Rhonda@sustainableballard.org.