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Remember to Breathe

January 20, 2019 By Arlene Faulk

A good way to start the week. Amid any chaos, stress or uncertainty you feel, remember to breathe.

Thich Nhat Hanh

Filed Under: Breathwork, Energy, Facing Problems, Mindfulness, Paying Attention Tagged With: anchor, balance, being present, breathing, center, internal energy work, keep perspective, thich nhat hanh, wisdom

Wisdom for the Day

April 21, 2018 By Arlene Faulk

relax

Filed Under: Energy, Mindfulness Tagged With: energy, sage, tai chi, wisdom

Advice From a Tree

June 22, 2015 By Arlene Faulk

Bend Oregon

The image of a tree is central to Tai Chi principles – rooted, flexible, changing, flowing, centered in now. As we move fully into summer, I share one of my all-time favorites:

Advice From a Tree

“Stand tall and proud.
Sink your roots deeply into the earth.
Reflect the light of your own true nature.
Think long term.
Go out on a limb.
Remember your place among all living beings.
Embrace the joy of the changing seasons
for each yields its own abundance.
The energy and birth of spring,
The growth and contentment of summer,
The wisdom to let go like the leaves in fall,
The rest and quiet renewal of winter.
Feel the wind and sun and delight in their presence.
Look up at the moon that shines down upon you and
the mystery of the stars at night.
Seek nourishment from the good things in life.
Simple pleasure,
Earth, fresh air, light.
Be content with your natural beauty.
Drink plenty of water.
Let your limbs sway and dance in the breezes.
Be flexible.
Remember your roots.
Enjoy the view!”
— Ilan Shamir

Filed Under: Change, Changing Seasons, Energy, Light, Paying Attention Tagged With: rooted, tree image, wisdom

Tai Chi and Maya Angelou

May 28, 2014 By Arlene Faulk

August Bend Oregon

Tai Chi is often called “meditation in motion”. The slow, deliberate movements and continual shifting of weight promote stillness within. The body starts to relax. The mind slows down. The chatter lessens. The focus is in the room, solely on flowing from one movement into the next. We move from vertical and horizontal lines, edges that are sometimes sharp in our life to a circular, smooth sphere in the room or by the tree. Our body moves with ease and calm. This is what “mindfulness” looks like, feels like.

Tai Chi could also be called “mindfulness in motion”. The mind moves the Qi (energy). Energy is the force, not the muscles. The focus is on the moment, right now. Nothing else.

This morning, Maya Angelou, a woman of great wisdom and peace, died. She was eloquent and authentic. She was mindful and present. She exuded “mindfulness” in her her words, in her calmness, in her steadiness, in her speaking truth. I looked up to her as a role model and had the opportunity to see and hear her talk two times. For me, being in her presence was like being with Tai Chi, focusing on the moment. Everything else faded away for she brought us to the now.

Faulk Tai Chi

As I move through and around with Tai Chi this afternoon, I will think of Maya Angelou and say thank you. For she made a huge difference to so many. Her strong attribute of “mindfulness” made that possible.

Filed Under: Change, Mindfulness, Paying Attention, Tai Chi, YinYang Tagged With: calm, maya angelou, presence, wisdom

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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25 Years Faulk Tai Chi

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