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dog-days of summer

July 16, 2012 By Arlene Faulk

The dog-days of summer . . .  the adults sat on the front porch, talking and talking, fanning themselves, sipping lemonade or iced tea. The fireflies lit up as the darkness set in. As the adults talked, which seemed so boring to us who were kids, we ran around in the yard. Trying to catch the fireflies in our hands, playing tag, maybe even riding our bicycles, as long as there was enough light to see and our parents said o.k. We didn’t hang around  in an air-conditioned house. We didn’t stare at a computer screen or a cell phone. We paid attention to the sun setting. We devoured the vanilla ice cream in that special waffle-cone that crunched in our mouths. We didn’t even care that the ice cream started to melt and drip down the side into our hand. We were outside, so the liquid just fell to the ground. And it was o.k. By the time we had to go inside, we were physically tired. Our hands a little sticky from the ice cream drips. Maybe a bath or perhaps just a washcloth across our face and across the bottom of our feet. Mom didn’t want the dirty bottoms of our feet to rub against the bed sheets during the night.

That was a typical hot July evening when I was a kid, a few decades ago. So different now. Kids don’t automatically play outside after dinner, don’t run around playing tag or red rover. Both kids and adults have to be intentional about exercising, about relaxing, about slowing down, to be in sync with the heat that permeates well into the evening.

In fact, many of us feel guilty if we take time to just sit and “do nothing.” However, “doing nothing” is actually “doing something”. In today’s world that is very big. To sit or take a walk, to notice the birds, the trees, the setting sun, the stillness or breeze that surrounds us usually takes intention and being mindful. Or we miss it, because we’re busy doing something else.

I love the emphasis on mindfulness that Tai Chi teaches us. We learn to focus on what’s happening right now, to clear our minds of the constant chatter, to be present. That can easily translate to fully participating in a summer evening outside, enjoying the birds, the children, the moon beams glistening on the lake water. It can aid us in fully enjoying and participating in these dog-days of summer, one at a time, and with no electronic equipment at our side. With this mindset and full-participation, we can experience July fully, and not just wake up one day in August and say “where did the summer go”?

Filed Under: Change, Mindfulness, Tai Chi Classes Tagged With: kids, playing, relaxing, slowing down, summer, walking

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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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.

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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.

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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.

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.

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