National Lottery Wellbeing Event – Tai Chi

For our latest Wellbeing Get Together we returned to the martial arts to try a session of inclusive Tai Chi.

We started with some background information about Tai Chi from our instructor Paul. Tai Chi is a Chinese martial art that was originally developed for combat and self-defence. It was derived from the martial arts elements of ancient Qi Gong (which translates as energy work) and Tai Chi Chuan can be translated as “Supreme Ultimate Fist”. It is a defensive martial art with the philosophy of yielding to the incoming force and redirecting it. This all sounds very energetic but tai chi is performed as a series of flowing movement patterns with deep, slow breaths. The movements are gentle and low-impact and can be performed seated or standing. This movement is intended to cultivate and balance the body’s “qi” (pronounced chi) or energy which can be very beneficial for mental and physical well-being as well as helping balance and coordination.

We started with some visualisation to warm up our minds. We were asked to visualise a colour and then explore why this colour might have appeared to us. This can be a tricky exercise for some but there is no right or wrong answer it’s just to explore what we are feeling that day.

Then we slowly rubbed our arms and legs to encourage energy flow and connect our minds and bodies, followed by slowly swinging our arms backwards and forwards. Next, we had to visualise holding a ball that was getting bigger and smaller with our breathing. These movements are the basis of the longer movement patterns or forms that make up Tai Chi practise. We completed a short version of the form “cloud hands” and then “white crane spreads wings” – Tai Chi forms are often named after natural imagery following Daoist philosophy!

The movements took a lot of co-ordination and concentration – if you want to try yourself there is a You Tube tutorial here: Cloud Hands Tai Chi Tutorial with English Instruction | Tai Chi Qigong | In Focus

Afterwards there was the usual chat over a cuppa and cake – well mince pies on this occasion! Some of the group loved the session and others decided they were glad to have given it a go but that Tai Chi wasn’t for them! That’s one of the benefits of our Get Togethers – you can try something new in a safe, supported environment and, even if it’s not for you, you’ve had the chance to catch up with or make new friends.

If you’d like to join us or find out more about Tai Chi please get in touch with Katy:

Email: katy.hubbard@surreycoalition.org.uk

Tel/SMS: 07434 865062

Our Wellbeing Get Togethers are funded by The National Lottery Community Fund.