Continuity in Motion

Continuity in Motion

Continuity in Motion: Learning the 108 move long form of Tai Chi takes a considerable amount of time. When we no longer have to think about which move comes next then we can work on making the form continuous. This is not simple or easy. Notice what happens between...
Happy Spring Equinox!!

Happy Spring Equinox!!

Happy Spring Equinox!!! I personally love the transition from the stillness and quiet of winter to the blossoming of spring. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) five elements theory, springtime is a time of movement, renewal and new beginnings; a time of growth and...
Sinking the Chest & Raising the Back

Sinking the Chest & Raising the Back

Tai Chi & Qigong are very complex practices. There are many principles to pay attention to. One of the 10 Essentials of Tai Chi is to “Sink the Chest and Raise the Back”.  What does that mean? One of the fundamental principles in Tai Chi and Qigong is that...
Arm Swinging Exercises

Arm Swinging Exercises

Arm swinging exercises are not just about swinging the arms. They engage the entire body from the bottom of your feet to the top of your head. They move all your joints and lubricate your entire body and improve circulation.  I personally love these exercises and do...
Tai Chi & Internal Stretching

Tai Chi & Internal Stretching

I very seldom do any static stretching and yet I’m flexible and can move easily. I credit Tai Chi and Qigong for that!!! Tai Chi and Qigong incorporates “internal stretching” rather than “static stretching”. This means that we engage the connective tissue (fascia,...
Awareness Increases Faster Than Ability

Awareness Increases Faster Than Ability

“Awareness always increases faster than ability if we are training correctly”. My teacher, Larry Johnson, has said this me this may times over the years. At times I have despaired that I was getting worse instead of better even though I put a lot of attention into my...
Tai Chi Walking

Tai Chi Walking

Every Tai Chi style has its own unique way of Tai Chi walking. Here are some questions to consider when practicing Tai Chi walking. Do you step farther out then you are able to maintain your balance? Do you clunk down when you step? Where is your weight when stepping?...
On Being a Teacher & a Student

On Being a Teacher & a Student

Do you need a teacher to learn Tai Chi?  I believe that a good teacher is a must!!!  In my humble opinion a good Tai Chi or Qigong practice makes us more joyful and happy.  It is important to choose a teacher that emanates joyfulness, one that makes you feel happier...
More Neck Awareness

More Neck Awareness

Does your neck ever crackle and crunch? Last week in class a Qigong exercise required turning our heads left and right. At the end of class a student mentioned that when she turned her head she felt a crunchy crackly feeling in her neck and asked if there was...