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Take a Moment for Breathing

May 12, 2019 By Arlene Faulk

writing

During the past six weeks, I have been focusing on writing my elevator speech for my book, brainstorming possible titles with myself while looking at hundreds of book titles on the internet, writing a sample query letter to a literary agent and building up my social media posts. I attended a workshop on self-publishing vs. traditional publishing. So much to take in!

Arlene Faulk

And that is only part of it — Tai Chi practices on YouTube filmed and produced by Paul Freedom at www.peaksunrise.com. My 12 minute Tai Chi video – https://youtu.be/lCQhGv521SE. This is the first of a series of short practices that can be done anywhere and any time. I can tell you from my own experience that these exercises are effective for relaxing, increasing balance and breathing. If possible, 10-12 minutes twice a day is a good way to incorporate Tai Chi into your day. Take a look, click on the “thumbs up” icon, and forward the link to others, particularly if you know someone who cannot get out of the house to go to a class. More to come. . .

taking a photo

This past week a professional photographer shot pictures during our Monday night class in Evanston. With my website/marketing consultant, I have been viewing the photos and selecting those I want to add for a fresh update on my website. They will be up soon!

Refreshing photos, tackling new endeavors can be invigorating, educational and challenging, too. I continually have to ask my niece and her teenagers for help on social media “how-tos”. YouTube has a video on how to do almost anything but I find that even those are sometimes more confusing than helpful.

In the midst of all this, I give myself the moments to just breathe, some moments to get up and do the Preparation and Beginning moves of my Tai Chi form. Ah, that helps me relax and focus. Are you taking a moment to breathe in your busy day. Maybe click on my YouTube link for just for a few minutes — Tai Chi Energy Ball Practice for Balance & Breathing — to find a little time for yourself.

Filed Under: Arlene Faulk, Breathwork, Inner Balance, Mindfulness, Tai Chi, Tai Chi Classes Tagged With: author's life, memoir writing, paul freedom, peak sunrise, tai chi practices on YouTube, writing

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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