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A New Student Gets It

May 30, 2018 By Arlene Faulk

A woman calling me to inquire about my Tai Chi classes, said she has a medical condition that affects her balance and also triggers vertigo. She has been watching Tai Chi videos by Dr. Lam and thought she wanted to try a class. In answering my question if she can stand and walk, she said ‘yes’. She uses a hi-tech walker when walking outside and into a building, but, once inside, she is on her own. I mentioned that safety is my highest priority for students, and in my class, she definitely can sit in a chair to participate in the first half of class. I encouraged her to come to a class to see if it works for her.

“I read your bio on your website,” she said. “I said to myself this is the teacher I want to work with.” So, she picked up the phone and called me.

tai chi yin yang
walking

She comes to class the day after our phone discussion. Maybe in her early 70’s, she is optimistic and eager to participate. She sits in a chair to breathe, move her Qi in gentle, directed ways. When we prepare to practice walking, I suggest she gently place her hand on the wall to steady herself, keep hip-width distance between her feet and look straight ahead. She follows the instruction, walking forward and backward, keeping feet parallel.

For the second half of the class, when we start to practice our form, I suggest she sit in a chair, visualize the moves in her own body and take in the gentle, relaxing energy that is being generated by the standing students in the class. I can tell she is intently paying attention, taking it all in the best she can.

When class ends and students are leaving the Skylight Room, I ask her how the experience was.

“It was great,” she said. “This class was all I hoped it would be.”

Chenjiagou, China

I am so pleased for her. She listened to her body, had an open mind and did what she could do. She is already exhibiting a Tai Chi-like mind.

Filed Under: Energy, Listening to our Body, Mindfulness, Paying Attention, Tai Chi, Tai Chi Classes Tagged With: feeling Qi, listening, open mind, open to change, Open to learning

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.

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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