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Yi directs Qi

March 14, 2024 By Arlene Faulk

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.

Filed Under: Energy Tagged With: energy shifting, tai chi class

Tai Chi Students Comment

July 12, 2023 By Arlene Faulk

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!

Filed Under: Tai Chi Classes Tagged With: letting go, mindfulness, relaxing, Sharing energy, tai chi class

Move – Enjoy the Moment

June 22, 2020 By Arlene Faulk

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

Filed Under: Breathwork, Changing Seasons, Energy, Mindfulness, Tai Chi Tagged With: body movement, dance yoga, exhale, focus, inhale, tai chi class, the moment

New Year Day 4

January 3, 2020 By Arlene Faulk

BREATHE

qigong class
Tai Chi breathing from tan tien

Filed Under: Breathwork, Energy, Mindfulness, Tai Chi, Tai Chi Classes, Tan Tien Tagged With: slow breathing, tai chi class

Showing Up

March 27, 2019 By Arlene Faulk

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.

Filed Under: Energy, Mindfulness, Paying Attention, Tai Chi Tagged With: exercise, fitness, give effort, showing up, tai chi class, take action

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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