Welcome to my April 2023 Great and Powerful Blogging from A to Z Challenge!

I’ve revealed my theme (My life in first drafts), but this year, instead of pretending there were ever plans, I am unashamedly blogging my theme letters on the fly.  So, here goes nothing!

So, without further ado, T is for Tai Chi.

I used to teach Tai Chi, which is something I keep forgetting since I have not taught or done any Tai Chi for almost 20 years I guess.  

I first heard of Tai Chi from my yoga instructor who also taught Tai Chi and thought it would be something I would enjoy. And I did. After taking classes for a couple years, my teacher asked if I would be interested in teaching Tai Chi myself as she found she was too busy for the number of people interested. I decided, what the heck?

So I began teaching. First through the Conservatory of Music, which is where my teacher also taught. I remember our classroom was in the tower. Literally. Up about a million flights of stairs (not so accessible for some people I know) to this big open room that had a 350 degree view. The tower room was supposed to be haunted, but I never sensed anything . Even on the one Hallowe’en night I taught. It was dark and stormy outside and I remember getting there early and wondering if anyone would show up, or if I would encounter spirits or perhaps an axe murdered braving the long climb. But students did come and we had a fun spooky class.

After a few years, the Conservatory decided that Tai Chi did not belong with them. I taught for the Seniors’ Education Centre for a few years, modifying the lessons for a less mobile group (and sadly, although not for the seniors, no longer in the fabulous tower). I also taught a few classes for the University, which was interesting as it was a fitness course and students needed to pass in order to get credit (didn”t have to make them do exams at least). Then the last classes I taught I taught in a downtown church. It was an ok space except the organist practiced during some of our classes.

A few days ago I pulled out the book that was the basis for the Tai Chi form I taught (there are several different forms – and if you didn’t know, Tai Chi is actually considered to be a martial art form too.). I think I am going to try and refresh my memory of the form as it is both relaxing and good for balance and muscle coordination. A nice way to start a day.

If you don’t know anything about Tai Chi, here are some resources you can check out!

Yang style Tai Chi (the one I taught)

The Health Benefits of Tai Chi

What is Tai Chi?

Thanks for visiting my 2023 A to Z Challenge – Letter T.  You can find links to more blogs participating in this challenge at Letter A, A to Z 2023 Challenge Master List (Google Docs).

Guess I’m kind of a rebel too…although I do like using the “official” letters…