书法与长寿 Calligraphy & Longevity

书法不但是一门高雅的艺术，练习书法还可以修身养性，延年益寿。华人一向认为练习书法是可长寿的最好活动。中国书法是身心的活动，因此能振奋身体，脑筋和心灵。

书法的基本原则与益处和冥想，气功，武术是相同的。

我们练习书法时，身心要平静，集中书写。呼吸要顺畅，心情要平和。

在身体方面，执笔要正确，坐或站的姿势要平正，这样身心才能配合，这就是所谓心正身正。长久练习，自然可以达到延年益寿的效果。

据说，书法家年龄比一般人高。清朝康熙和乾隆就是好例子。他们都是爱好书法的皇帝。他们的寿命其他中国皇帝高。据说皇帝的寿命比一般老百姓低。乾隆活到89岁，是中国最长命的皇帝。

Chinese calligraphy is not only a beautiful art, its practice is also an effective way to enjoy healthy life and longevity. The Chinese have rated practicing Chinese calligraphy as the number one activity for longevity.

Chinese calligraphy is both an artistic and physical practice. It can elevate one's body, mind, and spirit from internal and external practices. It has been regarded as a good way to strengthen one’s will and leads to a healthy life. Many principles and benefits of practicing Chinese calligraphy are very similar to meditation, Qi Gong, and Chinese martial arts. While one is practicing Chinese calligraphy, one has to calm the mind, body, and focus on writing. The breathing is very smooth and the mind is very peaceful.

In order to write beautifully, we also train and fine-tune our nerves and hand movement with correct body mechanics which benefit our well being. The upright and ergonomically correct postures required during practicing Chinese calligraphy as well as one's enjoyment and focus upon writing beautiful characters can lead one to a higher coordination of mind, body, and spirit and attain longevity without specifically working on it.

Since Chinese calligraphy is a very meditative, disciplined, and relaxing practice, master calligraphers and those who enjoy practicing it have been known to outlive their contemporaries throughout the history of China.

There were two emperors in the Ching Dynasty, Kang Xi ( 康熙 ) and Qian Long ( 乾隆 ), who lived longer than most Chinese emperors. Most emperors of China had shorter lives than ordinary people, mostly due to excessive indulgence. Emperor Chian Long (1711-1799) lived up to 89 and had the longest life among all Chinese emperors.