Arlene Faulk, founder and owner of Faulk Tai Chi, has been teaching Tai Chi in Chicago and Evanston for nearly two decades. Her blog has now been recognized as one of “the best Tai Chi blogs from thousands of top Tai Chi blogs” in their network by Feedspot. Ranked #4 in their Top 25, her blog covers ways to integrate this graceful form of exercise and mindfulness into everyday life.
“The news about being named a top blogger was a bit of a surprise,” said Faulk. “I’ve been so passionate about teaching Tai Chi and sharing its benefits for many years. But I never expected to get this kind of attention. As long as it leads to more people finding out how great these movements can be for your health, I’m thrilled.”
Using the incremental moves of this centuries old exercise practice — often called “A Moving Meditation” — Faulk helps people of all ages, many with chronic health conditions. Through her classes, they can substantially improve their stamina, range of motion and general well-being through repetition and steady, gentle coaching. She enables her students to quiet their minds and connect to the grounding source energy through Tai Chi. Focusing on both the actual moves and principles underlying them helps students incorporate the movements any time.
A Road Back to Health with Tai Chi
Faulk’s interest in Tai Chi came from very personal experience. Facing intense pain, brain fog and debilitating fatigue, Arlene (finally diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 1993) could no longer work. “I had really exhausted all medical options and spent the next two years on the couch,” says Faulk. “I was desperately hoping to find an answer for how to resolve some of these symptoms so I could move on with my life.”
At age 47 – using a cane to walk – Faulk joined a senior citizen Tai Chi class. She found herself the youngest by far, yet in the worst shape of all the students. Determined, Faulk kept going to class and gradually regained the ability to walk unaided, by daily practice of Tai Chi walking and breathing with an imaginary energy ball. Slowly her balance and mobility improved using moves of the Tai Chi form. In 1999, Faulk began to teach Tai Chi herself, using her planning and training skills to found Faulk Tai Chi.
Her Tai Chi classes are available in Evanston at Heartwood Center and in Chicago at Fourth Presbyterian Church. Beginners are encouraged to try these gentle, but powerful movements to increase balance, focus and well-being. Of course, her blog is available to all. Faulk is currently writing a book about her life experience and the impact of Tai Chi. (See more About Arlene.)