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Thinking about Feet

August 30, 2012 By Arlene Faulk

My mother says “when your feet hurt, everything hurts.” Mothers have said that for generations. They are right.

Our feet hold all our weight when we stand. Our toes bend and flex when we walk, run, skip and climb. Our heels help steady us. Our feet are an intricate masterpiece, with so many bones, ligaments, nerve endings, all working together to help us navigate through our day. We don’t think about our feet much. Most of us take them for granted. . . until something goes wrong.

A corn, cramp, bunion, stubbed toe or fallen arch, hurt and remind us that we need to take care of our feet to feel good in the rest of our body. High-heeled women’s shoes wreak havoc on feet. “Wear sensible shoes”, our mothers tell us. They are right. How about the current fad of flip-flops as the every day “shoe” for children and many adults? No support and having to squeeze the first two toes to walk up or down a step can’t be great for foot health. We go for what we like. . . until something goes wrong.

I’ve been thinking a lot about feet the last few days. Taking a late summer break from teaching Tai Chi classes, it was a perfect time to get rid of some plantar’s warts I had on my left foot. Researching all  treatment possibilities. I chose one from a podiatrist, using acid to eat away at the warts. My big toe blistered, to the point that I couldn’t put any weight on that toe.  I placed my weight on my heel, then on the outside of my foot. Over a few days, my foot swelled up and I could hardly put any weight on it at all.

No break, but lots of swelling. I’m wearing a boot to stabilize my foot. My leg tires easily. I think of placing my legs and feet hip-width apart, standing tall, in proper alignment. I can’t do that right now, so I’ll visualize it as though I could.

I’m reminded of how important the Tai Chi principles of proper alignment and weight shifting are, for good energy flow and good health. Patience is another important principle of Tai Chi. I hope to be patient to return to proper alignment.

And, I look forward to a healed foot, because “when your feet hurt, everything hurts.

Filed Under: Listening to our Body, Mindfulness, Tai Chi, Tai Chi Classes Tagged With: alignment, choices, feet, patience, walking, weight-shifting

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

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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.

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

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

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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!

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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

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

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