T'ai Chi enthusiasts

Here we let any of our group say what they think about T'ai Chi, life or anything. Or to add some anecdotes, poetry or experiences they may have had.

Hazel Hunt
"Over the last few years I have become very involved in exploring the intricacies of T'ai Chi and Qigong - and still remain committed to studying the many different levels of both! I also have a great interest in nature, meditation and artwork, a creative side that has developed through my T'ai Chi practice.
As an ex fully qualified nurse I have some knowledge of the physical body, and I find the practice of T'ai Chi and Qigong gives me a deeper understanding and awareness of the health benefits that regular practice can bring - both physically and mentally. I enjoy very much sharing knowledge with other people, especially with the many friends I have in the T'ai Chi world.

At present I run weekly classes in the villages of : Yealand Redmayne - Lancashire and Storth/Milnthorpe - Cumbria. Also private lessons if required. Currently I teach two Yang Style T'ai Chi forms:- a) Cheng-Man-Ching (short Yang form) b) Beijing 24 step form And various Qigong exercises and forms - with special emphasis on attaining inner strength and vitality, mental calmness and function, and self-healing - self-improvement"

Michael Poulter is a semi-retired counsellor with a background in aikido as well as T'ai Chi. He practises T'ai Chi to create calm and confidence through relaxation.

"I am noticeably much more in the here-and-now after a practice and feel 'cleaner'. If I am unable to get to a practice for a week or two I know there is something missing in my life"

"I like to do a particular form over and over again so that the body remembers and there is consequently less thinking about it, more relaxation and moving meditation. One ambition would be to get completely immersed in a form so that there is no thinking at all"

Steve Tomlinson

I first ‘had a go' at tai chi at a workshop at the Womad music festival in 2003. When I got back I found out about Dee 's weekly class in Kendal and went along. Since then, I've learnt a number of hand and weapons forms and currently attend classes in Windermere and Kendal and go to seminars, weekend courses etc. as often as possible. The first form I learned was the 24 step ‘ Beijing style' yang form and it's still possibly my favourite.

I find that tai chi and qigong act as a great tonic – you learn to concentrate on the here and now and I always come back from a session feeling invigorated and calm. It took me quite a while to realise that it's the journey that counts rather than the destination. I'm sure that my posture has improved and that my general health has benefited over the last few years. As well as the health benefits I've met lots of really nice people through my classes and courses. I wish I'd started tai chi when I was younger but nevertheless I'm really pleased that I did take it up and hope to be able to continue to practice it for a good few years to come.

with Alan Goulder (77)

Q: Have your preconceptions about T'ai Chi altered since you started practising it?
A: Yes. I thought at first it would be fairly easy but soon found quite the opposite. It's much more complex. The movements, done well, are more meaningful, delicate and precise than I realised, requiring harmony and quietness which I believe T'ai Chi can teach. There is a great deal to learn and remember.

Q:Have you noticed any changes in yourself since you started T'ai Chi?
A: Yes. At first a change for the worse. It created irritation, frustration, confusion and stress. I couldn't see any point in it and several times I almost gave up. Then --gradually I began to notice changes. My memory began to improve. I'm learning to be more patient, hopeful and much less self-critical. My physical balance and general health and strength are much improved.

Q: What do you find most enjoyable about T'ai Chi?
A: - A feeling of progress and achievement.
    - the challenge. As I reach the crest of one hill, a higher one beckons in the distance.
    -sometimes getting a feeling for just a moment of wonderful stillness when my mind and body are in perfect harmony and peace and I can 'let go' and feel safe. I suppose it is a tiny glimpse of what it is all about.
    - most of all, the friends I've made.

Q: What are your T'ai Chi ambitions?
A: to enjoy it and make steady progress. To improve self-confidence and understand myself a liitle better - who knows, maybe to live an extra week or two longer than I otherwise would. AND for goodness sake To Have Fun.
I always enjoy and feel lots of benefit from Chi Kung and standing meditation.

Conclusion: I'm allowed to do the best I can with much encouragement and not the slightest pressure - so I begin to enjoy it more and I'm sticking with it.

Yvonne Saunders has been learning T'ai Chi for more than 20 years and also has a background in yoga:

I wanted to try T'a Chi because of the graceful beauty of the movements, the obvious control and deep yet inner involvement required. The T'ai Chi players were quietly self-possessed and compassionate. Many of my preconceptions have proved to be true but wider,deeper aspects are emerging continuously. I have noticed a general improvement in self-confidence and co-ordination. I enjoy the feeling of peace, fun and the 'Ah' factor, and the group awareness.