By Heather Killen
Spectator
NovaNewsNow.com
Some smooth moves recently went worldwide, as local Taoist Tai Chi groups celebrated a special anniversary.
Helen Hardy, Tai Chi instructor, said about 17 members from branches in Middleton, Bridgetown, and Annapolis Royal showed off their moves in Annapolis Royal during the Farmers and Traders Market as part of the worldwide celebration held on August 14.
An estimated 20,000 people in 26 countries, about half its members, simultaneously participated in this demonstration that marked the International Taoist Tai Chi Society’s 40th anniversary. She added that shortly before the scheduled time, the local chapters got an email greeting from a group in New Zealand.
“It was 2 a.m. their time,” she said. “The message said, Hi. We’re ready. I thought about them and felt a connection and to the group in Toronto.”
Special Energy
There’s a special energy that builds between people who spend an hour or more together in silence, moving in sync with each other, she said. This affect was amplified in knowing that beyond their square in Annapolis Royal, thousands of people in other parts of the world were also moving through the same sequence together.
“It’s amazing how you can feel the energy flowing between each person,” she said. This is especially true in the small groups that normally exercise together. Aside from the health benefits, Hardy said a big part of it is the opportunity to get out and socialize with other people.
“Older people tend to stay inside, the classes give them a chance to go out and mingle,” she said. “It’s a very welcoming atmosphere.”
Soft Martial Art
Taoist Tai Chi is a soft style martial art that was developed by Master Moy Lin-shin. As it’s being performed, the sequence of 108 movements looks like a slow ballet. But these slow and gentle movements are aimed at restoring and maintaining holistic health.
Tai Chi improves balance and coordination, flexibility, and range of movement. It’s considered an internal art because the movements benefit the whole body including the tendons, joints, spine, connective tissue, and internal organs.
It’s also described as a moving meditation that focuses and calms the mind, as it’s necessary to concentrate on each movement. She added that as the108 movements unfold, the mind empties itself.
Hardy teaches the Bridgetown branch that has about 10 active members. Other Annapolis County branches are active in Middleton and Annapolis Royal. These groups also participated in the demonstration on August 14.
“So many times people tell me they really didn’t feel like coming to class but by the end of it, are really glad they did,” she added. “After you do it for awhile, if you skip a week you really miss it.”
Anyone Can Benefit
Tai Chi is designed so that anyone can participate and benefit from the exercises. The exercises focusing on health restoration were developed for people in wheelchairs and range from putting feet on the floor, to weight bearing exercises that gradually improve the range of motion, flexibility and strength.
“There really aren’t any excuses,” she said. “The exercises are available to everyone.”
She says that even though she’s been doing Tai Chi for years, she still learns something new about herself each time she practices.
“It’s always a new experience,” she said. “The movements change as your body changes.”
In September local branches are offering free introductory Tai Chi lessons. Hardy added it’s a good time for people to try on some new moves. For more information on lessons in Bridgetown, contact Helen Hardy at 532-5801; for more information on classes in Annapolis Royal or Middleton contact George Chisholm at 467-3096. For more information on the International Taoist Tai Chi Society, visit www.taoist.org
