Arlene teaches the Tai Chi form in such a gentle and connected way that many movements now feel utterly natural and healing.”
Arlene is my kind of teacher — patient, even-tempered, methodical. She leads us in one or two new moves at a time, repeats till it feels familiar, then adds a couple more. She also explains the Eastern “why” of what we are doing, and is always open to questions. Arlene is concerned with our proper alignment, and often tells us the right way to do a move. With practice and focus, for as long as it takes — and all students have their own pace — the movements come more naturally.”
— Eileen H., Chicago Tai Chi student
For me, Tai Chi brings comfort and quiet amidst all the chaos and change.”
— Becky, Tai Chi student
There’s a reassuring continuity and community in Tai Chi. As the movements become more familiar, their ease synchronizes with my breath, and as I follow the lead, I am aware of others who are doing the same. It’s a beautiful, very special time. 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, or a YouTube video or a streaming service – meeting weekly (via zoom) in real time, live, to practice Tai Chi creates true community. Knowing that we all are moving in unison, at the same exact time, in our respective homes, creates a powerful energy which cannot be duplicated on one’s own.”
— David, 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.”
Doing Tai Chi has been a great comfort during the COVID pandemic. I always feel a sense of calm come over me when class starts and Arlene gently reminds us to bring out minds into the room and into our practice. As I’ve been doing Tai Chi for 6 years now, my body knows these slow movements and relishes the gentle release and centeredness they bring. In addition, 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 have been in Arlene Faulk’s Tai Chi classes for a number of years and look forward to it each week. You can feel the energy in the room as the classes get underway! It is fun and good to do the exercises individually, but the energy felt when with a group is amazing! Arlene is as helpful with the beginner as with the experienced! It is surprising to me that the gentle movements can make such a difference in energy!
– Sue F., 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.”
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
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.”
Arlene Faulk teaches her classes with a genuine appreciation for the art and practice of tai chi. A sense of calmness, and a peaceful energy always fills the room during the classes. It’s quite a relaxing, yet inspiring, experience. Be prepared to have your body embrace change when you work with Arlene at Faulk Tai Chi!
— Christina Giordano
I’ve even shared some of the exercises with my bike club to help reduce injuries. They really work!”
As she warmed-up the workshop with an ancient Qigong set, I observed students faces relax, shoulders soften, and posture improve, as they settled into their bodies. There was plenty of Qi to be found in the relatively simple Qigong moves Arlene led, so the workshop soon became quite energized. In short, for Tai Chi instruction, Arlene is the real deal.”
– Chris Cinnamon, Tai Chi instructor
I have always been curious about tai chi, the movements and the benefits. I am now sorry I waited so long to find out. Taking tai chi classes with Arlene has given me an appreciation of how tai chi enhances balance and gracefulness and control. Much of the credit for my experience must go to Arlene. She is an excellent and disciplined teacher and provides careful instruction in a relaxed, non-intimidating atmosphere.
– Dawn V., Chicago 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.”
– high school 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.”
– high school Tai Chi student