Moving Health Tai Chi and Qigong

I love this Poem by Elisabeth Muys: Life in a Taiji-suit... Ode to Life, Ode to Taiji, Ode to all Taiji teachers (the yinyang of taiji, the suit of life) Life has given us a suit A suit for growing To stretch and strengthen A Taiji-suit Loose in his smoothness Mild and inviting A generous coat For our soul to stretch out Like the life That says: You can be big You have more space then you think No limits, no obstructions, Except your own obstacles A suit smooth but not concealing Like in life The smallest of our movements Can have consequences reaching far Exciting ripples Kilometres away A suit To move carefully in life But also With power A suit that can absorb Kicks and punches And that is exactly the suit That life has given to us The life itself That gives itself At every instant Again and again And the dance, we can choose freely Wholeheartedly As it suits our soul Who likes to stretch out Happily As far as it can Always further And further Elisabeth Muys From: http://www.jankraak-taichitao.nl/content/website.php

An interesting article that looks at Tai Chi compared to other low-impact exercises.

This pen and ink and water colour drawing is by Bob Trotter. This is his impression of "Snake Creeps Down", which is also known as "Squatting Single Whip".

A Tai Chi poem. Enjoy! http://movinghealthtaichi.com/poetry.html

It is always good to re-visit these 10 important principles! http://taichivancouver.com/yang-cheng-fus-ten-principles-o/

I have a written a short article for the BC AND YUKON ARTHRITIS SOCIETY on Tai Chi and Arthritis. http://www.mailoutinteractive.com/Industry/LandingPage.aspx

Starting mid-January I am teaching a QIGONG WITH BABY Class at Templeton Pool Activity Room. HOW THIS CLASS CAME TO BE: Michel Vles had been studying Tai Chi and Qigong for over 20 years and was teaching at community centres around town. A friend of his who has a young toddler asked him to teach her some Qigong and pretty soon there was several mothers with little ones over at her house learning Qigong from Michel. I like the Qigong with Baby class because it is a mellow p...ath to becoming more present in my own body and spirit. Michel easily accommodates the extra noise and distraction of babies, and a bonus is the babies sometimes tune into the vibes and vocalizations. I am looking forward to bringing a simple practice into my home as well. Monica - class participant and mother of Natalia. QIGONG PRACTICES: are gentle health promoting exercises from the 5000 year old Chinese Medicine tradition. Using sitting and standing postures these easy movements leave one relaxed yet energized. Little ones from 6 weeks to 2 years old are welcome. (No childcare provided.) The practice of Qigong aims to cleanse the body of tension, blockages and toxins, increase the circulation of Qi as well as store and balance the Qi throughout the whole body, thereby creating vibrant health. It includes a wide variety of gentle exercises that open and stretch the body, mobilize the joints, cleanse the body, and increase vital energy. Exercises include breathing techniques, slow movements, healing sounds, with some use of visualization. Mondays 10:00am-11:00am, January 12-February 2 or February16-March 9 ~ 4 sessions for $32.00 Drop-in $10.00 Templeton Park Pool Activity Room, 700 Templeton Drive, Vancouver To register call 604-718-6252 Michel Vles [email protected] http://movinghealthtaichi.com

http:// movinghealthtaichi.com I am again starting up Tai Chi (Yang Style, and Tai Chi for Arthritis and Health) classes this September at Vancouver Community Centers. If you know anyone who is interested please let them know. See below for list of classes if you are interested. *FOR MORE INFORMATION : http://www.movinghealthtaichi.com ... or contact*Michel Vles: [email protected] Yang Style Tai Chi Wednesday Evenings (Ages 16+), 7:00pm-8:30pm (Sept. 17-Dec3) $138/12 classes Coal Harbour Community Centre To register and for more info: 604-718-8222 $138 for 12 sessions Tai Chi for Arthritis and Health Monday Evenings (ages 16+) 7:00pm to 8:00pm (Sept.22-Dec.1), $108/ 10 classes Hastings Community Centre To register or for more info: 604-718-6222 Wednesday Mornings (ages 19+) 10:00am-11:00am (Sept. 24-Nov.26) $80/10 classes Creekside Community Centre To register or for more info: 604-257-3050 Thursday Mornings (Ages: 18+),11:00am to12:00pm (Sept.18 - Nov.29) $99/10 Classes Douglas Park Community Centre To register or for more info: 604-718-6222 Friday Mornings (Seniors Class 55+) 10:00am-11:00am, (Sept.22-Nov. 28) $50/10 Classes Britannia Community Centre To register or for more info: 604-718-5800 *For more Information: http://www.movinghealthtaichi.com or contact* Michel Vles at [email protected]