Aligning to My Center

Aligning to My Center

In my personal practice and with students, we have been pondering the question, “How does it feel to align to my center?” Physical Alignment When we begin standing practice in Tai Chi and Qigong we connect to the earth through our feet and stand shoulder width (wu chi...
The ABC’s of Tai Chi

The ABC’s of Tai Chi

Lately, I have been contemplating the ABC’s of Tai Chi and connecting them as the ABC’s of everyday life. Which make sense, right? I believe and have been taught that one lives Tai Chi, the same as when you hear yogis say, “take your practice off the mat.” It’s the...
Four Things to Minimize in Life

Four Things to Minimize in Life

As most of you know, at the end of each year, I choose a book with different thoughts for the upcoming 365-days. Giving me different things to ponder on my meditation cushion every day. In 2018, I chose to reread The Tao of Joy Every Day, by Derek Lin. Below is an...
The Formless Affects the Form

The Formless Affects the Form

Last Saturday, I attended an all-day Qigong workshop with Lee Holden. I really enjoyed myself, there were about 40+ people there and we were at different levels in our practice. I learned some new things and the workshop also confirmed what I am already doing. Once...
Softness Always Overcomes Hardness

Softness Always Overcomes Hardness

I have been repeating the words, “softness always overcomes hardness” in my classes lately. Reminding students that softness begins with us, having kindness and compassion for ourselves first, then it can naturally move outwardly onto others. Another saying that has...
Transitions in Life and T’ai Chi

Transitions in Life and T’ai Chi

The word transitions seems to keep coming up for me … maybe because 2017 was a metamorphosis of a year. As most of you know it started out with me being diagnosed with breast cancer in January; surgery to remove the tumors on February 13 [clean nodes & clean...
This is Why I Practice

This is Why I Practice

A couple weeks ago, I was asked to record a 2-minute elevator speech on Tai Chi for the Wellness Center Staff Retreat at Huntsman. Of course, I said “yes,” I was honored, and when opportunities arise to educate and share Tai Chi and Qigong, I do my best to...
Slow Down and Feel — not Force

Slow Down and Feel — not Force

I am so happy to report that I made it through 12-weeks of chemotherapy without being nauseous, having any pain and I continued to teach 2x a week at Huntsman. I did have [and still do] a little chemo-fatigue, and some slight neuropathy in my toes. My chemo journey...
Replace the Cancerous 3C Words

Replace the Cancerous 3C Words

Recently after our T’ai Chi class, I was reminded of the 3C words that can cause cancer to our soul. When I use these words, or find myself caught up inside them — I feel less than and separate. The obvious question then is, Why would do any of us choose to repeat...
Asking for H.E.L.P.

Asking for H.E.L.P.

I realized Wednesday after my morning ritual that I was probably one of the few people in the world, who did not know who was elected President of the United States. I had made it a point on election day, to stay away from the media, [of course, I voted early] instead...