Faulk TaiChi

Learn the beautiful, flowing movements for health and relaxation.

  • Home
  • Tai Chi Classes
    • Beginning Tai Chi
    • Tai Chi Class Schedule
    • Locations
    • Arlene’s Approach
    • Testimonials
  • About Tai Chi
    • About QiGong
    • Faulk Tai Chi Gallery
  • About Arlene Faulk
  • News & Video
  • Blog
  • Register

A Convert to Tai Chi

April 5, 2014 By Arlene Faulk Leave a Comment

Dawn Vanderveen

Words from a convert to Tai Chi.

I have tried a lot of exercises and body routines throughout my life. None of them stuck. I am not one of those people who can’t wait to go to the gym or run five miles down the lakefront. I thought having a personal trainer would keep me disciplined so I hired one. And then another one. And a third. All were good and helpful but none could convince me long term. As a result my various exercise experiences were short-lived.

I turned to yoga and then to Pilates and though each of these disciplines was helpful, neither compelled me to continue. And then I started tai chi with Arlene. At first I approached it simply as an exercise to improve balance. And it does that. I have always been a walker and have had my share of stumbles and falls. Since I have been practicing tai chi I walk better; I stand straighter; I move more gracefully.

But there is more to tai chi and that is its holistic approach. I have always admired the benefits of meditation but I found it so difficult to stay focused that I abandoned it. Tai chi, on the other hand, offers focused movement that requires “staying in the moment.” Two for the price of one.

A bonus of tai chi is the sense of community it fosters. Working through the tai chi moves along with other students in a space filled with tai chi energy offers something you can’t get by running your solo five miles or working with your personal trainer or sitting on a machine in a gym.

Finally, and perhaps most important, a good teacher is key to a good experience. Arlene embodies all that’s positive about tai chi — she gives careful instructions with a quiet demeanor that allows the energy into the space while her students perfect their moves.

If you see yourself in my words, give tai chi a try. If you are a happy runner or love the gym or think Pilates is the best, add some tai chi to your life as well. It’s unique and you will feel enriched.

Dawn Vanderveen

Filed Under: Change, Inner Balance, Mindfulness, Paying Attention, Tai Chi, Tai Chi Classes, YinYang Tagged With: finding right teacher, keep looking, mindful, searching, tai chi as meditation

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...

FOLLOW ARLENE FAULK

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • Phone
  • YouTube
Register for Chicago Tai Chi Class

NOW AVAILABLE

Walking on Pins and Needles

My book Walking on Pins and Needles: A Memoir of Chronic Resilience in the Face of Multiple Sclerosis, out now!

Buy Your Copy Today!

Awarded a Top Tai Chi Blogger

Top Tai Chi Blog

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

Newsletter

GET TAI CHI TIPS, NEWS

Subscribe for weekly inspiration and news!



Tai Chi Class Calendar

October 2023

Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun
1
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

Copyright © 2023 Arlene Faulk, Faulk Tai Chi, Chicago, Evanston, IL   |   312-642-0722   |   Website by Grotto Communications