I love the elegance and the flow of Tai Chi. I love the imagery. As a child, I tried Tai Chi with my father in the back yard. We did poses that had interesting names and laughed. Later when I was a chef, I did Tai Chi to relieve the stress that built up during the week. After the birth of my first daughter I came back to Tai Chi to balance and reclaim my body. Now, Tai Chi is a part of my life again but only as an observer. Tuesday mornings, Margaret comes at 8:45 am to lead a group of students through Tai Chi forms. The class moves with ease, grace, and inner purpose. Pleasant music plays. Occasional laughter. I asked Margaret a few questions to find out about her interest in the martial art form.
1. How long have you been practicing Tai Chi? What got you started?
6 years
After being asked to partake in a study by the Melbourne University into the effect that Tai Chi has on the health and longevity of practitioners, I was informed that there was preliminary evidence that practicing Tai Chi slow the aging process on a cellular level. Like everyone I am sure, I ran along with my vanity to the nearest gym and immediately began to practice.
2. What style of Tai Chi do you practice?
Yang Style
3. Do other folks in your family practice?
No
5. What are some of the benefits that you receive from practicing Tai Chi?
Health, longevity, balance, strength, mental health, fitness, co ordination, brain stimulation, relaxation, focus, happiness, greater attention span, flexibility, grace
6. What would you like to see your students get from practicing Tai Chi?
To take charge of their health and responsibility for healing, knowing that disease begins within the mind.