5-30-09

For health: For myself, Tai Chi has saved my back. When I was in my thirties, I suffered from frequent severe back pain. I remember one time having a back spasm while getting into my truck that was so severe I couldn't straighten out to drive to the health clinic.

Tai Chi changed that. The rhythmic slow turning an stretching worked to strengthen and stretch muscles to produce a strong but flexible core. I literally have not had back problems since I started Tai Chi in 1989- 20 years ago. Now I feel so sorry when I see a student or friend or family member grimacing or walking in an awkward manner because of back problems.

I began teaching Tai Chi in my 10th year of practice while living at a community on the north coast of California. My mother was in her 70s and I was watching her becoming increasingly immobile. There were many seniors in this community, and I felt called to offer them skills that might allow them to more readily enjoy their years with more mobility, better balance, better leg strength, coping skills for worry.

New Classes for Spring!

We will be holding new Spring classes in Bellingham. At the Mindport, 210 west holly, our continuing series for new beginners begins May 14th and will feature the mid section of the form- the leglifts. 6-7 pm Thursdays for 8 weeks. At the end of that session, we will finnish with the final section of the form. Any beginner can join at the beginning of any section.
At the Firehouse Center in fairhaven, on May 22nd at 3:30, we start an new beginners and advanced class. Advanced students will continue to explore the form and all its wonderful complexity and texture, and new beginners will start at "0"- Wu Chi, and on into the form. Same as Mindport- 8 week sessions.