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Awe-Inspiring Trees

September 4, 2023 By Arlene Faulk Leave a Comment

A consistent mantra I have with my students is to encourage them to do Tai Chi by or near a tree. Not only do trees represent important principles of Tai Chi – balance, rootedness, flexibility – they also give us energy. They are at work bringing up moisture and nutrients from the earth, helping to cleanse our air, giving us shade, central to the rhythms of nature.

I spent a few days last month in the north woods of Minnesota. I had been to Sandstone for a Tai Chi retreat a few years ago, but this time I was farther north, up in the Duluth area. I knew I was in for something special when flying in because all I could see were trees blanketing the landscape. These trees are breathtaking, making me want to be near them, with their pole-shaped trunks, green leaves and height so tall I could barely see the tops.

My body was drawn to be with the trees and to play my Tai Chi amongst them. The leaves shimmed in the sunlight, the stillness seeped into my mind. The silence was awesome. There was only the moment. I felt graceful, and flowing and was right where I wanted to be.

Little wildflowers were at my feet. I felt surrounded by peace, light and nourishment. Time stopped. it was magical.

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: magical trees, north woods, powerful stillness, tree energy

Tai Chi Students Comment

July 12, 2023 By Arlene Faulk Leave a Comment

The Tai Chi Classics, often considered the “Tai Chi Bible”, contain the principles and fundamentals of Tai Chi. In the first section, Master Chang San-feng (ca. 1200 C.E.) wrote, “Once you begin to move, the entire body must be light and limber. Each past of your body should be connected to every other part.” Whether I’m teaching beginning or experienced students, I often refer to both of these principles – relax and feel all parts of your body as one, moving together.

Let’s start with relaxing the body (and mind). Usually, I’m not light and limber when I begin class. It’s the focus on proper alignment, feet hip-width apart, soft knees, then starting to move through gentle movements that help me and my students begin to relax.

Faulk Tai Chi class

When we focus on breathing and moving our energy throughout our bodies, we are focusing on just those things, nothing else. That helps us start to relax.

During the last several weeks, students have informally been offering comments on their experience in class. “I had so many things on my mind when I walked into class, and during the class, I felt all that stress fade away.” “It helps me relax when you remind us to breathe.” “I’m starting to get it, It’s a process and I don’t have to be perfect.” “I was dragging when I came to class and by the end I felt much more energy, good energy.” “My back does not have so much pain and I’ve learned my alignment has been way off. “I’m learning how to walk more slowly and pay attention.” “All the students moving together helps me relax and feel not only my energy, but the powerful energy the group is creating.”

studying tai chi

We, together, learn to relax, “be limber and light” even when we don’t walk into class feeling that way. We start to let go and share our energy with each other through our Tai Chi moves. What a wonderful discipline and practice Tai Chi is!

Filed Under: Tai Chi Classes Tagged With: letting go, mindfulness, relaxing, Sharing energy, tai chi class

Happy Fourth!

July 3, 2023 By Arlene Faulk Leave a Comment

summer tree

Stand and sit by a tree. Walk barefoot in the grass. Enjoy the sunset. Name two or things you are grateful for. That can fill your day and is enough.

Chinese panda lights

Filed Under: Paying Attention Tagged With: Fourth of July, letting go, mindfulness, walk barefoot

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Arlene Faulk

Arlene Faulk

I am writing my memoir about career woman rising, to flat on my couch, my unexpected zigzag to health and celebrating 20 years teaching Tai Chi. Read more...

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Faulk Tai Chi 312-624-0722
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