Tai Chi Hurt My Knees There are many barriers to starting something new, whether a hobby, new job or leisure activity. We are our worst enemy sometimes and our minds will throw up all sorts of reasons why not to do something. When we start something new, our minds will also try and dissuade us…
Building Resilience in 2021 Do not worry, this is not a blog post with a humble brag about how I wrote a novel during the 2020 restrictions or learned how to perfect the art of the soufflé. Nope, I’m the average Joe, and have been on a roller coaster. Like many other community teachers, the…
** CLASS CLOSED ** Our community class in Newport on the Isle of Wight closed in March 2020 under goverment mandate, and permanently closed in September 2021. We apologise for the inconvenience. To locate a Tai Chi instructor in the UK visit www.taichiunion.com Autumn 2019 Join our community Tai Chi and Qigong class in Newport…
Tai Chi for Over Thinkers For people that tend to over-think, the slow moving practices of Tai Chi and Qigong can be a great way to calm the mind, restore grounding and connection to our physical bodies. The Buddhists practice ‘nowness’, is what we call ‘mindfulness’ today, a single point of focus. Our Tai Chi…
Spring School News 2019 Spring is near and life is beginning to return to the earth. My favourite time of year is about to erupt into pink and white blossom. Over the last months, my online lessons have flowed into similar paths. In the winter the challenges that come up during the practice and journey…
Challenges in your Tai Chi Training As student, you can expect many challenges to come up during your training in a group class and your practice at home. Try to hold a positive approach, seeing challenge as opportunity. Tai Chi and Qigong are life-long practices, there will be times you are enthusiastic and highly motivated…
Motivation in your Tai Chi Practice First let’s look at the difference between intrinsic versus extrinsic motivation. Intrinsic Motivation This is when the urge to do something comes from within, for personal reward and personal joy without a goal in mind. You do it for the enjoyment and satisfaction of the activity. The source of…
Back to School! It’s that time of year again. September rolls around quickly and with that a renewed enthusiasm for extra-curricular activities. In my experience autumn sees a surge in people wanting to start a new exercise routine and/or hobby. It’s a great time to try out something new and get into a good routine…
Hibernating Bear Tai Chi “Build a Strong Foundation for Mind and Body Health” The phrase “Hibernating Bear” comes from instructor Nicola’s ethos to make authentic Tai Chi and Qigong available to all abilities of students, no matter age, physical ability or location. The online hibernating bear lessons follow the Taoist principles of kindness, modesty and…
When Resources aren’t Enough A delve into the Tai Chi learning process, looking at the ebb and flow of training a life-long art. When learning Tai Chi, there are several highs and lows along the way. Sometimes students will say “The resources aren’t enough”. As an instructor and student, I would like to share my…
What is your Goal? Tai Chi, Qigong and Meditation Training Maybe it’s easiest to start with my goal, or rather my journey. I am striving to be myself, it is as simple as that. So my goal in my Tai Chi, Qigong and meditation training, practice and play is to travel the journey to be…
Tai Chi for All Abilities Our aim at Earth Balance Tai Chi is to create classes that are accessible across the whole community. We provide Tai Chi and Qigong for all abilities, meaning seated and chair based for those with restricted movement / mobility whether through disability, age, disease, injury or for rehabilitation. Find out…
Music for your Practice Tai Chi and Qigong It’s always difficult to find good quality new music for your Tai Chi and Qigong practice. Composer Nick from www.aroshanti.com has created a series of relaxation albums that are first-rate. Aroshanti remains one of my favourite musicians for practising Tai Chi. His music is a great accompaniment…
Chen Taiji Cloud Hands For students wishing to practice at home, here some resources to help. In the Chen style Tai Chi movement “Wave Hands like Clouds” (Yun Shou) this uses the double arm silk reeling movement with a side stepping action. The hands and arms rotate and move in a circular pattern and is…
Knee Alignment Tai Chi Improving Posture in your Tai Chi Practice In Tai Chi and Qigong practice, correct knee alignment is often neglected which can lead to pain, injury and long-term damage. As the largest and most complex joint in the body the knee is more likely to get damaged than other joints. The knee…
