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Learn the beautiful, flowing movements for health and relaxation.

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HAPPY NEW YEAR!

February 19, 2015 By Arlene Faulk Leave a Comment

chinese new year

On this cold, winter day, see bright red and gold colors. Imagine a dragon dance. Eat oranges. Do some Tai Chi. It’s the start of the festive 15 celebration of Chinese New Year, Year of the Ram/Sheep/Goat.

Students and friends of Faulk Tai Chi celebrated this past Sunday, with delicious food, participating in QiGong exercises, watching Tai Chi demonstrations and sharing moving stories of health benefits received. The energy was moving and palpable.

Year of the Ram/Sheep/Goat
20150215_153603
tai chi

This is a time to celebrate your Qi and share wishes for health and prosperity in the year ahead.

Filed Under: Arlene Faulk, Change, Energy, Qi Gong, Tai Chi, Tai Chi Events, YinYang Tagged With: celebration, chinese new year, moving Qi, Year of the Ram

Thank You, Teachers

February 3, 2014 By Arlene Faulk 2 Comments

Yang style tai chi

The last three days have been filled with red and gold, great food,  traditional dances, tai chi, kung fu, opera selections, dragon dances in the street — all in celebration of Chinese New Year, the Year of the Horse.

As we gathered yesterday at the Heartwood Center for Body Mind Spirit, the first thing we did was ‘move’ through QiGong, with awareness of our breath, our weight-shifting and our focus on gently moving our Qi throughout our bodies. Movement helps us ‘wake up’, stretch our body and helps us be more alert for everything that follows.

We met each other through our tai chi experiences, always fun to hear how it all started: “I was looking for a class to reduce my stress;” “I needed more balance, both literally and in my busy, task-filled life; “my daughter kept urging me to try tai chi because she loves her karate and thought I needed something similar, but slower”; on and on the stories came.

We looked at slides and heard about major influences on the development of tai chi, from the “I Ching”, Taoism, the five element theory, yin/yang theory. This unfolded via slides and stories of my trip and tai chi study in China, in both Chen Village and in the Wudang Mountains.

The energy was light and attentive, cordial, supportive. We snacked on mixed nuts and the traditional oranges, always present in the Chinese New Year. We moved through ‘forms’ we’re working on, either Yang, Sun and Wudang styles. We were glad to be together, from various classes in Evanston and Chicago, because we had a commonality – appreciation and gratefulness for how we continue to benefit from tai chi.

As we began to close, again through moving our breath throughout our bodies, I thanked all my teachers, their teachers and those throughout the centuries, starting in China, who gave of themselves to share the wonderful practices that we enjoy today. Teachers whose names we know and teachers whom we don’t know, all made a difference in our lives.

I am very grateful for all martial arts teachers, and particularly QiGong and Tai Chi teachers, who have taught me a way of moving and breathing and being that brings balance into my life. Thank you to each of them.

We all have those teachers who were/are instrumental in positively influencing how we live and how we relate to each other and the world. Who comes to mind for you? Take a few moments to say ‘thank you’, to name that person or persons in your own mind. He or she helped mold you, direct you, guide you, support you, listen to you. . .

Filed Under: Arlene Faulk, Breathwork, Change, Inner Balance, Mindfulness, Qi Gong, Tai Chi, Tai Chi Classes Tagged With: celebration, chinese new year, teachers, year of the horse

Happy New Year!

January 31, 2014 By Arlene Faulk Leave a Comment

Chinese new year

Year 4712 begins today — Happy Chinese New Year, the Year of the Horse!

This is the longest and most important celebration in the Chinese calendar, with 15 days of observance and celebration. “Red” is everywhere, in lanterns, clothes, paper and ‘lucky money’ in red envelopes. Red symbolizes fire, which according to legend can drive away bad luck.

The new year is based on the lunar calendar and is often called the “Lunar New Year” rather than Chinese New Year. In fact, it’s regularly celebrated in a number of Asian countries as a “Spring Festival.” It’s held each year between January 21 and February 20.

Twelve animals appear in the Chinese zodiac and each is celebrated every twelve years. The Horse is intelligent, fast and likes to compete.They pursue freedom, leadership and have lots of passion. The Horse is quick-witted and a hard worker. But they are also known for suddenly losing interest in something.

If your sign is a Horse, it’s your year!! It’s a fun celebration for all so take notice, check out your year and recognize your friends and family whose year we are celebrating.

Enjoy the bright red of this holiday, the dragon dances and all the good food!

Filed Under: Mindfulness, Paying Attention Tagged With: celebration, chinese new year, red, symbols

Arlene Faulk

Arlene Faulk

After a years-long struggle to understand and conceal debilitating symptoms while I ascended the corporate ladder, I found comfort and healing through Tai Chi and Chinese Medicine.

My new memoir, Walking on Pins and Needles, is the story about the power to control our lives and move in the direction of possibility. Read more...

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FROM TAI CHI STUDENTS

Tai Chi makes me feel calm, yet energized. Because of my practice, the small irritants of life affect me less.

Tai Chi student

I had back surgery, was in pain and had little range of motion. Tai Chi practice at Heartwood has helped me increase flexibility, my range of motion and my overall stamina.

Tai Chi student

Arlene teaches the Tai Chi form in such a gentle and connected way that many movements now feel utterly natural and healing.

Tai Chi student

I've even shared some of the exercises with my bike club to help reduce injuries. They really work!

Tai Chi student

I've always been a klutz and have regularly lost my balance and fallen when walking outside. Arlene taught me how to stand and walk properly through Tai Chi. I really can't believe it: I haven't fallen in four years since I've been taking Tai Chi with Arlene!

Tai Chi student

I love Arlene's Tai Chi classes. She helps us understand not only what we're doing, but also why we're doing it. That really helps me take what I learn in class and apply it to my daily life.

Tai Chi student

I'm really inspired by what Tai Chi has done for Arlene. She is a great teacher, who is calm and very patient. She has really helped me not to be so hard on myself.

Tai Chi student

I play golf and had a lesson after school, on the same day we had Tai Chi class. My coach commented, 'Your posture is amazing and all of the balance issues that we have been fighting for so long seem to have just taken a vacation.' I mentioned to him that I thought it was due to Tai Chi.

Tai Chi student

Tai Chi relaxes your entire body and promotes peace and proper breathing. The more I manage to breathe properly while doing any activity in my life, I generally tend to do a lot better at it. I benefited from Tai Chi because it managed to help me with my breathing skills even more.

Tai Chi student

Tai Chi really gives my body strength to put up with the pains of my breast cancer and back problems. Tai Chi is 'sneaky'. You don't think it's helping, but eventually you realize it's helping you.

Tai Chi student

For me, Tai Chi brings comfort and quiet amidst all the chaos and change.

Becky, Tai Chi student

In just a few months, the practice has become perhaps the most nurturing element in my life during COVID times, when sustaining a commitment to anything else has been challenging.

Barb, Tai Chi student

The community Tai Chi has provided has been a gift. With so much we can now do whenever we wish --- with an app, YouTube video, or streaming service --- meeting weekly (via zoom) in real time, live, to practice Tai Chi creates true community.

David, Tai Chi student

I really enjoy our time together and I've found Tai Chi a great way to "keep moving," not only during this pandemic but also as a regular practice with a wonderful integration of mind, body and spirit.

Martha, Tai Chi student

Tuning into the class and seeing familiar faces of the other students brings a nice sense of community and connection during this time of separation and isolation.

Julia, Tai Chi student

I love the walking practice because it helps me slow down and focus only on the moment.

Tai Chi student

Tai Chi has made me aware of how I’m standing and where my weight is. My balance is improving.

Tai Chi student

I hear Arlene saying to listen to my body and only do what I can do. That helps me relax.

Tai Chi student

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Tai Chi Class Calendar

October 2023

Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun
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2
  • Tai Chi Level II
    Tai Chi Level II
    Starts: 5:30 pm
    Ends: October 2, 2023 - 6:30 pm

    Location: Heartwood Center, 1818 Dempster St, Evanston, IL 60202, USA


    Description:

    Tai Chi class for experienced students (3+ years)

    More details...
•
3
  • Faulk Tai Chi Class
    Faulk Tai Chi Class
    Starts: 5:30 pm
    Ends: October 3, 2023 - 6:30 pm

    Location: Heartwood Center, 1818 Dempster St, Evanston, IL 60202, USA


    Description:

    Beginner’s Class - no experience needed

    More details...
•
4
5
  • Tai Chi Beginners
    Tai Chi Beginners
    Starts: 5:15 pm
    Ends: October 5, 2023 - 6:15 pm

    Location: Gratz Center at Fourth Presbyterian Church, 126 E Chestnut Street, Chicago


    Description:

    Online class for continuing students

    More details...
•
6
7
8
9
  • Tai Chi Level II
    Tai Chi Level II
    Starts: 5:30 pm
    Ends: October 9, 2023 - 6:30 pm

    Location: Heartwood Center, 1818 Dempster St, Evanston, IL 60202, USA


    Description:

    Tai Chi class for experienced students (3+ years)

    More details...
•
10
  • Faulk Tai Chi Class
    Faulk Tai Chi Class
    Starts: 5:30 pm
    Ends: October 10, 2023 - 6:30 pm

    Location: Heartwood Center, 1818 Dempster St, Evanston, IL 60202, USA


    Description:

    Beginner’s Class - no experience needed

    More details...
•
11
12
  • Tai Chi Beginners
    Tai Chi Beginners
    Starts: 5:15 pm
    Ends: October 12, 2023 - 6:15 pm

    Location: Gratz Center at Fourth Presbyterian Church, 126 E Chestnut Street, Chicago


    Description:

    Online class for continuing students

    More details...
•
13
14
15
16
  • Tai Chi Level II
    Tai Chi Level II
    Starts: 5:30 pm
    Ends: October 16, 2023 - 6:30 pm

    Location: Heartwood Center, 1818 Dempster St, Evanston, IL 60202, USA


    Description:

    Tai Chi class for experienced students (3+ years)

    More details...
•
17
  • Faulk Tai Chi Class
    Faulk Tai Chi Class
    Starts: 5:30 pm
    Ends: October 17, 2023 - 6:30 pm

    Location: Heartwood Center, 1818 Dempster St, Evanston, IL 60202, USA


    Description:

    Beginner’s Class - no experience needed

    More details...
•
18
19
  • Tai Chi Beginners
    Tai Chi Beginners
    Starts: 5:15 pm
    Ends: October 19, 2023 - 6:15 pm

    Location: Gratz Center at Fourth Presbyterian Church, 126 E Chestnut Street, Chicago


    Description:

    Online class for continuing students

    More details...
•
20
21
22
23
  • Tai Chi Level II
    Tai Chi Level II
    Starts: 5:30 pm
    Ends: October 23, 2023 - 6:30 pm

    Location: Heartwood Center, 1818 Dempster St, Evanston, IL 60202, USA


    Description:

    Tai Chi class for experienced students (3+ years)

    More details...
•
24
  • Faulk Tai Chi Class
    Faulk Tai Chi Class
    Starts: 5:30 pm
    Ends: October 24, 2023 - 6:30 pm

    Location: Heartwood Center, 1818 Dempster St, Evanston, IL 60202, USA


    Description:

    Beginner’s Class - no experience needed

    More details...
•
25
26
  • Tai Chi Beginners
    Tai Chi Beginners
    Starts: 5:15 pm
    Ends: October 26, 2023 - 6:15 pm

    Location: Gratz Center at Fourth Presbyterian Church, 126 E Chestnut Street, Chicago


    Description:

    Online class for continuing students

    More details...
•
27
28
29
30
  • Tai Chi Level II
    Tai Chi Level II
    Starts: 5:30 pm
    Ends: October 30, 2023 - 6:30 pm

    Location: Heartwood Center, 1818 Dempster St, Evanston, IL 60202, USA


    Description:

    Tai Chi class for experienced students (3+ years)

    More details...
•
31
  • Faulk Tai Chi Class
    Faulk Tai Chi Class
    Starts: 5:30 pm
    Ends: October 31, 2023 - 6:30 pm

    Location: Heartwood Center, 1818 Dempster St, Evanston, IL 60202, USA


    Description:

    Beginner’s Class - no experience needed

    More details...
•
20 Years Faulk Tai Chi

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