Sunday September 14 at St Ives Community Orchard (2-5pm) TAI CHI: HARMONY, BALANCE AND MOVEMENT IN THE NATURAL WORLD

INTERACTIVE TALK AND WORKSHOP

Discover tradition, history and philosophy behind the practice of Tai Chi in an interactive talk. This will give you a sense of what Tai Chi is, and how regular practice has numerous benefits on health and well-being. You will learn and practice a short sequence of flowing Tai Chi movements as well as relaxing Chi Kung breathing exercises.

Spaces are limited. £15 BOOKING

Wednesday September 17 at St Ives Community Orchard (10.30am-12pm) TAI CHI: HARMONY, BALANCE AND MOVEMENT IN THE NATURAL WORLD

OPEN TAI CHI SESSION WITH ELLA TENNANT (KOKORO-ARTE)

Join this session to move, stretch and breathe in the fresh air!
You will learn and practise a short sequence of flowing Tai Chi movements, along with relaxing Chi Kung breathing exercises.No special equipment is required – just comfortable clothes and flat shoes. £8 BOOKING

 

Thursday September 18 at St Ives Community Orchard (12.30-2pm) TAI CHI: HARMONY, BALANCE AND MOVEMENT IN THE NATURAL WORLD

OPEN TAI CHI SESSION WITH ELLA TENNANT (KOKORO-ARTE)

See Wednesday 17th for full details. £8 BOOKING

For venue details see  @core_stives

 

We had a really lovely time in the Tai Chi workshops at the Tangled Roots festival in June. On the first session on the Friday, we did the first and second movements and on the Sunday grasped the bird by the tail and moved the clouds!

It’s hard to believe that time has gone by so quickly, but now it’s nearly time for Tangled up in Blues (August 8 to 10) , and I’m delighted to be doing the workshops again for this festival.

Welcome to the Year of the Snake!

I took some time out and spent the new year at Stonehenge – the entire area is perfect for practising Tai Chi, especially in silence and stillness of the early morning light. 

 

While in some traditions (Christianity for example) the snake tends to be feared as the embodiment of evil and temptation, there is also the dichotomy of its healing and beneficial nature.  In many cultures the snake is often linked with female deities and the Earth Mother. In Hinduism the snake is the guardian of the threshold and of treasures (both material and spiritual).

The snake is one of the 12 animals in the Chinese zodiac.  It shares many similarities with the dragon, which symbolises wisdom and strength. While snake movements are smooth and flowing, with an emphasis on softness and adaptability, dragon movements are more dynamic and embody a sense of spirit and power.

 

 The movements in Tai Chi, which all help with balance and harmony, are inspired by nature (grasp the bird’s tail, moving clouds), and it is this – the tradition of being a part of nature through the practice of Tai Chi, that I like to focus on in my workshops.

The Snake Creeps Down is often considered to be one of the most challenging movements in the Yang sequence but practice can help increase vitality and longevity.

I’ll be running workshops at a few festivals later in the year, and I hope we can try a few of the snake related movements!