Is Tai Chi for me?
I remember seeing a group of people practicing Tai Chi in Golden Gate Park, San Francisco. It was both captivating and slightly eerie. I parked my bike and sat on a park bench to watch—this art form.
Eight years later, I am listening to Tony’s stories about his personal practice of Tai Chi. I hear about discipline, a sense of community, a respect for the Tai Chi leadership, and eventually, a self-formed Tai Chi group. Again, I was intrigued; however, I couldn’t seem to relate to it.
Recently, I connected the Tai Chi stories to a need. I was hopeful to coordinate a gathering. I approached Tony with an idea to share his Tai Chi practice. He responded immediately with an enthusiastic, “Yes!” We agreed that it would be a sharing of his practice. I reached out to contact people who may be interested or need the benefits of Tai chi. Did I consider it for myself? No.
While coordinating the time and the small group, it occurred to me, from that park moment years ago, that this type of movement practice might be beneficial for me. I could use a new and calming experience in my life. Could I go slow?
According to psychologist John Amedeo, PhD, “Self-care is always important, but especially during turbulent times. Meditation and mindfulness practices can be one way to regulate our nervous system. Physical activity can help release stress from our body. I find meditation, yoga, Tai chi (or quinone), and exercise to be especially helpful, along with a decent diet.”
I made my decision, I would join Tai Chi.
In my first practice, the foundation patterns were reviewed, with particular emphasis on the stance, intentional movement, and discipline of this martial art. I struggled to feel comfortable. I found the physical responses of warming up the hip joints surprisingly challenging. I knew I needed to practice and be patient as I learned a calming activity.
From that park day experience, I was now using similar slowness. Interestingly, I found myself holding my breath to coordinate the unique flowing movement and direction change. I needed to let go and put less pressure on myself. It’s not a race!
Tony naturally fell into teaching as he imparted his 30 years of learning to us. Our group showed a willingness to learn, and we were inspired to move like him. We watched with admiration. We had a long way to go, but Tony encouraged us at the end of each practice and in his forthcoming messages for the next practice.
As the weeks passed, new Tai Chi responses were noted. One person reported feeling tired at the end, similar to a fitness workout. Another felt focused- Tai Chi provided an escape from the busy workday. My smartwatch data showed improved deep sleep following our practice.
Like a mentor, Tony would draw our attention to the vital elements of Tai Chi: the stance, hip rotations, and the intentional movements. It was interesting to me to hear about the resemblance of Tai Chi to the martial arts. I began to understand and feel the slow, flowing movement of the body in space, which created a calmness within.
As we expanded our repertoire of moves, we became more formalized in our practice—a warm-up to prepare the body that brought our minds and bodies into Tai Chi. At the very beginning of the set, we bowed in to acknowledge the start of the sequence. Near the end, holding the space in the back yard to pause in meditation and take in the ending. The final bow closed the practice.
The messages to us from Tony became personalized-we were named “Squad”. A couple of new people joined the practice. One of Tony’s neighbours had seen us practicing and was inspired to join in because we looked so “graceful”. This was the first time an outsider had commented about our squad.
Although the movements felt unfamiliar and unstable at first, we were developing a sense of ownership. I am now experiencing a flow of energy that feels stable and powerful. Another mentioned a physical epiphany involving improved balance, especially in footwork transitions into a change of direction. Similarly, I could feel a more rooted balance as I weighted and unweighted my body within the stance. No longer shaky, but actually quite solid.
With the final summer session now over, I noticed that Tony had a calm confidence that drew our attention to mastery, as well as the everyday practicality of Tai Chi. As we watched his demonstrations, we were inspired to perform the more complex sequences. No longer did we feel like rookies. The confidence he shared was contagious to the squad.
Despite my need for speed and action, I am committed to learning the discipline of moving slowly. I recognize its value. Our squad enjoys Tony’s athletic accomplishments and his martial arts understanding that he brings to Tai Chi. I know that without this approach, I probably wouldn’t be as inspired to keep pursuing this art form. Once in a while, we enjoy a tea ceremony at the end, which helps integrate the practice’s calming effect.
An unorthodox approach for me
Tai Chi is a downtime activity that helps me replenish myself. I am learning to unite my mind and body with a narrow focus and the simplicity of gentle movement, without stressing, straining, or overthinking. I truly enjoy discovering an activity that is the polar opposite of my usual intensity of mountain biking, tennis, heavy lifting and fast reflexes! The quiet, circular movements of vital energy, or Qi, in Tai Chi are an opportunity to go slow for wellness. Tai Chi, our mentor Tony and our squad have transformed into a small community of like-minded souls striving for greater peace.
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