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The Tortoise and the Hare

June 27, 2019 By Arlene Faulk

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What has been most memorable in your life over the last 20 years? Life events probably come to mind – birth of children or grandchildren, a graduation, a marriage or divorce, starting a new job, the death of a loved one, a great travel experience. . .

Given you are now thinking about the last 20 years, what have you learned? What do you know now that you did not know as your younger self?

I have been thinking a lot about these questions as I join colleagues in celebrating Heartwood Integrative Health and Healing’s 20th year and also celebrating my 20th year of teaching at Heartwood. I will begin with what Tai Chi has taught and continues to teach me, because Tai Chi has and continues to offer me so many valuable life lessons.

turtles

A BIG LESSON – The Tortoise Wins. The story of  the tortoise and the hare, in Aesop’s Fables. The hare is boastful, laughing, telling all that a race with the tortoise is no match, because the tortoise is so slow. Not even thinkable that the tortoise would come close to winning a race between the two. And what happens? The tortoise with slow, steady, focused steps forward wins the race!

I love this story and what it teaches us, in a culture where speed is valued so highly. The tortoise is clear about its path, stays focused, is not deterred by distractions and reaches the goal line first. We do not have to be in a race although some of us are in one with ourselves, with long to-do lists, places to go, people to see, with not enough time.

tai chi students walking

The tortoise tells us there is enough time. We all have 24 hours in a day. With focus and slow, purposeful steps, we can move forward, or even better, we can be in the moment. Tai Chi is like that, our minds directing our energy in specific ways to be in the moment. Stresses of the day fade away as we shift our weight methodically, gracefully and with purpose.

I find with regular Tai Chi practice, I have more time. Slowing down, breathing, clearing the mind all promote increased energy for all i have to do and be.

What have I learned in 20 years that has enhanced my life? Take time to be like a tortoise. “Slow and steady” has advantages.

Filed Under: Arlene Faulk, Change, Energy, Mindfulness, Tai Chi, Tai Chi Classes Tagged With: 20 years teaching, life lessons, steady and slow, Tai Chi lessons, tortoise and hare

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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