Faulk TaiChi

Learn the beautiful, flowing movements for health and relaxation.

Yi directs Qi

By

A few days ago one of my Tai Chi students told me that her concept and understanding of her energy has been changing through her experiences in class and what she has been learning. “I used to think that I have lots of energy or low energy but really didn’t feel it moving inside me or think about the quality of it. I think about my energy much more often now, reinforced by how I feel in our Tai Chi class, particularly when you ask us to feel the energy moving in our body before we relax after a move.”

With Tai Chi, the Yi (mind) directs the Qi (energy). We relax our minds and focus on one gentle movement at a time, which relaxes the body and puts us into the present moment. Our mind is paying attention to our body alignment, shifting our weight, turning from the hips and waist rather than the upper body.

With practice we tune into our own energy and learn how to relax, center and re-energize in a healthy way.

In the midst of the class I can feel the energy in the room shift. The to-dos, the decisions, the problems we might have had coming into the room are gone for now, for this moment.

Astute comment by the student and important learning. When we pay attention to the quality of our energy and take steps to improve the quality of what we have, our health will benefit. Ask yourself, what am I doing to enhance my energy? If that question is difficult to answer, take a step forward, now, for your energy, for your health.

Tai Chi Students Comment

By

The Tai Chi Classics, often considered the “Tai Chi Bible”, contain the principles and fundamentals of Tai Chi. In the first section, Master Chang San-feng (ca. 1200 C.E.) wrote, “Once you begin to move, the entire body must be light and limber. Each past of your body should be connected to every other part.” Whether I’m teaching beginning or experienced students, I often refer to both of these principles – relax and feel all parts of your body as one, moving together.

Let’s start with relaxing the body (and mind). Usually, I’m not light and limber when I begin class. It’s the focus on proper alignment, feet hip-width apart, soft knees, then starting to move through gentle movements that help me and my students begin to relax.

Faulk Tai Chi class

When we focus on breathing and moving our energy throughout our bodies, we are focusing on just those things, nothing else. That helps us start to relax.

During the last several weeks, students have informally been offering comments on their experience in class. “I had so many things on my mind when I walked into class, and during the class, I felt all that stress fade away.” “It helps me relax when you remind us to breathe.” “I’m starting to get it, It’s a process and I don’t have to be perfect.” “I was dragging when I came to class and by the end I felt much more energy, good energy.” “My back does not have so much pain and I’ve learned my alignment has been way off. “I’m learning how to walk more slowly and pay attention.” “All the students moving together helps me relax and feel not only my energy, but the powerful energy the group is creating.”

studying tai chi

We, together, learn to relax, “be limber and light” even when we don’t walk into class feeling that way. We start to let go and share our energy with each other through our Tai Chi moves. What a wonderful discipline and practice Tai Chi is!

Move – Enjoy the Moment

By

The most sunlight of the year, that’s where we are. Summer Solstice. It feels different this year because we can’t gather for outdoor concerts, beach or boating gatherings or cookout parties. There is a virus around and for many, it’s a time to be cautious for our health and that of others.

Even with this reality, we need to take good care of ourselves, pay attention to our bodies and spirits. If a health club is off limits, be sure to walk, even if it’s around and around the same two or three blocks.  Breathe – inhale,  then  exhale.  Stretch. Bicycle. Take an online Tai Chi class. A yoga class. Dance.  When  we  move  our  bodies,  focus  our  energy  on  the  movement, we  relax,  quiet  our  mind  and  enjoy  the  moment.

Tai Chi on Zoom
dancer

TAKE  TIME  TO  MOVE  YOUR  BODY ENJOY  THE MOMENT.

inhale exhale

Showing Up

By

Do you know how impactful those two words are? How significant they can be in your life? Showing Up.

tai chi

During Tai Chi class this week I thanked my students for showing up. Some quizzical faces, with raised eyebrows looked at me. A small pause, moment of silence. I had their attention. “Thanks for showing up. It is so great that you stopped doing what you were doing and made your way to Heartwood and now are standing in the Skylight Room ready to start class.

I added that it takes intention, motivation and sometimes grit to show up in class every week. We need to thank ourselves for our commitment and coming to class, even on days when we don’t want to. We all spontaneously clapped.

It is not unusual to hear a comment from a student that she debated coming because of a hectic day, running from here to there, being tired and wanting to just plop down on the sofa. “I want you to know, Arlene, that I thought about skipping class tonight. What got me here was knowing how much better I would feel. And I do. I feel so much more energy.”

Our minds are busy talking to us, at times working to keep us from the activity we know we know will be positive, make us feel better. It presents in various forms, from sitting down to write some pages for a book draft, taking the mile walk outside, going to the gym to lift weights, extending ourselves to go to a social event where we will not know anybody, developing a business plan for that business we have been wanting to start for years, going to Tai Chi or yoga class. Not just thinking about it, not just putting it on our to-do list. Actually physically showing up, ready to engage in the activity.

writing

Think about it. What is it you have been thinking about, want to try, have some passion for that you have not acted on yet. What will it take for you to do it, show up? It feels so good. For you who are showing up, you have my admiration and applause.