Newsletter #143 - July 2013
Click on the title above to read the articles and click to read all previous newsletters and to subscribe.
I have just returned from my world tour, and it has dawned on me how lucky I am that circumstances compelled me to learn English when I was a teenager. In just about every country I visited I could communicate with someone, it has opened many doors for my Tai Chi for Health vision. Without a good command of English, I could not have qualified as a family physician, and modernised tai chi with up to date medical knowledge. I love to bridge people and cultures – bringing tai chi everywhere – English helps. I had a wonderful time on the tour, catching up with old friends and making many new ones. My last stop was the one week workshop in Connecticut. It was amazing to have 180 people from different countries sharing tai chi together. There is tai chi energy everywhere! Breathing the air would make any participant healthier and more positive. Not to mention the insightful talks, great demonstrations, a talent show to make you laugh until to your sides ached, excellent instructors, extra skills
learned from the evening seminars…. And sharing camaraderie and making new friends from Europe, Asia and all over USA! I will start with Dr Pam Kircher’s article “Modernising tai chi” and I will be including demonstration videos on YouTube in newsletters to come, as well as some fascinating articles.
During the workshop the Tai Chi for Health Institute shared its vision. I have exciting plans to participate in Aging in America 2014, the annual conference of the American Society on Aging in San Diego. Our vision would be a perfect fit for the goal of the conference to empower aging adults to better health and wellness. It will also be the 60th anniversary of the founding of ASA. I have more workshops to conduct this year and plans for workshops next year. I will let you know through the workshop subscriber’s list.
learned from the evening seminars…. And sharing camaraderie and making new friends from Europe, Asia and all over USA! I will start with Dr Pam Kircher’s article “Modernising tai chi” and I will be including demonstration videos on YouTube in newsletters to come, as well as some fascinating articles.During the workshop the Tai Chi for Health Institute shared its vision. I have exciting plans to participate in Aging in America 2014, the annual conference of the American Society on Aging in San Diego. Our vision would be a perfect fit for the goal of the conference to empower aging adults to better health and wellness. It will also be the 60th anniversary of the founding of ASA. I have more workshops to conduct this year and plans for workshops next year. I will let you know through the workshop subscriber’s list.
We had a lot of fun at the workshop, including a tai chi flash mob which began quite spontaneously in the refectory, much to the bemusement of the non-tai chi customers! It really was on the spur of the moment – I jumped up to join in and still had a mouthful of my lunch in my mouth! Have a look at this clip uploaded by Richard Caldwell. Also, keep watching for a hilarious skit by Richard with his able co-presenters Debra Santoro and Maureen Caldwell at the Talent Show!
Lastly I highly recommend that you take the time to watch Ellen Langer’s talk on mindfulness. It is an excellent and thought provoking presentation. Many of her ideas have a lot of parallels with tai chi principles.
In this newsletter:
-
Caroline presents a vision for why we should all contribute to promoting tai chi for everyone, everywhere in the world
-
Sue Kelly shares her personal story
-
Pam Kircher, MD, writes about the modernisation of tai chi
-
Emma Cooke explains the joys of being able to teach TCK
-
We hear about Bobby Calhoun, Senior Trainer from Michigan
-
Dr Bob McBrien treats us to our regular dose of tai chi humour
This Month’s Special
Purchase $75 or more and receive Free Postage. Please quote code 0713MSP.
Limit to one order per person. Click here for more information or to place your order.
Jul 04-05. Exploring the Depth of Tai Chi for Arthritis
Sydney, NSW, Australia
Jul 06-07. Tai Chi for Arthritis Instructor Training (Fully Booked)
Sydney, NSW, Australia
Jul 06-07. Tai Chi for Diabetes Instructor Training (Fully Booked)
Sydney, NSW, Australia
Jul 06-07. Tai Chi for Osteoporosis Instructor Training (Fully Booked)
Sydney, NSW, Australia
Jul 06-07. Tai Chi for Energy Instructor Training (Fully Booked)
Sydney, NSW, Australia
Jul 07-07. Tai Chi for Arthritis Multiple Update (Fully Booked)
Sydney, NSW, Australia
Sep 07-08. Exploring the Depth of Tai Chi for Arthritis
Driebergen , Netherlands
Sep 14-15. Tai Chi for Energy Instructor Training
Toronto, ON, Canada
Sep 21-22. Exploring the Depth of Tai Chi for Arthritis
Albany, NY, United States
Sep 28-29. Exploring the Depth of Tai Chi for Arthritis
Holland, OH, United States
Oct 05-06. Tai Chi for Energy Instructor Training
Woodbury, MN, United States
Oct 10-11. Exploring the Depth of Tai Chi for Arthritis
Knoxville, TN, United States
Oct 12-13. Tai Chi for Energy Instructor Training
Knoxville, TN, United States
Oct 19-20. Tai Chi for Beginners Instructor Training
Sebring, FL, United States
Oct 25-25. Tai Chi for Arthritis Multiple Update Training
Walnut Creek, CA, United States
Oct 26-27. Tai Chi for Energy Instructor Training
Walnut Creek, CA, United States
Many other workshops conducted by my authorised master trainers are listed in Workshop Calendar.
Yours in Tai Chi,
Paul Lam, MD
http://www.taichiforhealthinstitute.org/
http://www.taichiforhealthinstitute.org/
In my mind I envision a world where tai chi is universally recognized as valuable, as a gentle health conditioning strategy, as a superb fitness option, as rehabilitation for chronic conditions, as stress management and as an efficient way to integrate mind, body and spirit. This is a world where tai chi is universally available throughout the age spectrum from junior high school as a PE option, during high school, junior college and throughout the university system as stress management and physical conditioning. It would be available in every fitness center, gym and YMCA in the country to continue maintaining health and preventing illness from occurring. It is used in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, chiropractor’s offices, acupuncture clinics, senior centers and senior living facilities as viable strategies in rehabilitating the physical body, cultivating awareness, relaxing the mind, calming emotions, maintaining balance, prolonging independence, preventing falls and encouraging the enjoyment of the learning process for as long as people live. In this world of universal tai chi, there are qualified people in every community interested in sharing their love of tai chi, their experience of tai chi and their skill in tai chi to everyone wanting to participate in this supreme ultimate exercise that conditions and unifies mind, body and spirit. In a world where tai chi is universally recognized as beneficial, where is it universally available to everyone through life and is universally practiced by a majority of people, the quality of life in every nation would be influenced by the increase in serenity and calm that people experience when tai chi is a lifelong endeavour. This would fundamentally change the energy of interaction between people. When people respond to each other from serenity and calm, there is less antagonism or conflict and more cooperation. Interactions reflect less competition and more solution orientation. The quality of interaction between people who have internalized tai chi’s principles of working with the energy of each situation they encounter to find the most harmonious resolution to differences of opinion and this would reflect into society a picture of improved health for everyone, increased safety in our cities, better cooperation to find solutions to environmental, social and political issues and this would be a better world. And this is the kind of world we want to live in; the kind of world we intend to leave as a legacy to future generations.
What will it take to create a world where tai chi is recognized as valuable for health, fitness, mental serenity, effective solution oriented interaction and harmonious interaction? It will take the active involvement of every one of you who have experienced the benefits of tai chi personally. How you choose to be involved is not as important as making the commitment to get involved in a way that is meaningful and authentic to your personality. Some of you will teach. Some of you will encourage others to participate in tai chi to achieve better health, stress reduction or improve fitness. Others will educate every facet of society to the long term benefits of tai chi. When everyone makes their unique contribution, a momentum will develop that will change the world. Tai chi will become an essential ingredient in daily life for people of all ages. And the world will be a better place.
back to top
I had always wanted children, but at the age of 18 was told due to health problems this may not be possible. So I threw my weight into training to be a primary school teacher, which I enjoyed for many yearsThen in 1990 I gave birth to my wonderful daughter. I carried on teaching full time.
In 1995 I had an elective Hysterectomy due to a high incidence of Ovarian Cancer in the family. I went back to work too early and found it increasingly difficult to juggle child and career. I would think in October that year I had a complete nervous breakdown but carried on because that is what you do.
In 1996 I left work on ill health grounds, due to things at work and my breakdown, thought about committing suicide and had a thoroughly awful time. I was awarded ill health retirement in 1997
Then I found Tai Chi. I had always been interested ever since a week’s field study where we did an all-night walk and bivouac and tai chi was waiting for us in the morning. I then found a local class that I enjoyed for a few months, then circumstances conspired and I left.
When I had my breakdown I joined a local class which I enjoyed but felt something wasn’t quite right for me. I found another class through a dear friend Pam Johnson and they followed Dr Paul Lam’s teachings, another student (Joy Baker) told me to get Paul Lam’s video, which I bought and have never looked back. I still have it.
I loved that class. It was run by adult education and I went to him for three years. We did Ba Duan Jin, 24 forms and he even attempted Zhang Zhong, but said he never really saw the point of standing still, just wanted us to have the experience. He also taught us the 48 form.
Anyway, in 2000 he left and asked if I would like to take his class over. So I did. That led to a 10 week trip to China to study with a friend of a friend on a one to one basis and then a training course in this country for a year.
And that lead me to meeting the man that started my incredible journey back to health, Dr Paul Lam. I couldn’t stop crying all weekend! It just felt as if one circle had been completed and here he was in person steering me onto another part of my journey. And I am truly thankful to the Universe for everything I have been through.
I can safely say that Tai Chi has saved my life - literally (even though that phrase has been overused!) If it hadn’t have been for finding Tai Chi in 1996 and then my friend finding the Paul Lam inspired Tai Chi class and another friend suggesting the video, I could safely say, without a shadow of doubt, even though I love my family, I would not be the person I am today and may not even have been here.
I am now starting another journey. I am going to train to be a Tai Chi for Arthritis instructor with Nuala and Veronica in a few weeks. I can’t wait!!!
Also, I have been ill at the beginning of this year, so have visited an acupuncturist. He says that it is all the tai chi and qigong I have done that has kept me as healthy as I am!
So that is my story. I look forward to the next chapter
Thank you from the bottom of my CHI!!!!!
Several factors have led to the modernization of tai chi in the past 50 years. The increasing interest in martial arts and Eastern philosophy began with the Beatles’ interest in Eastern philosophy and exercise and was intensified by the shift away from traditional Western values during the Viet Nam War. When Grandmaster Cheng Man Ching emigrated from China to New York in the 1960s, his studio in New York became a gathering place for Westerners interested in learning Tai Chi from a master. Many early tai chi teachers in the U.S. learned from him and his students and classes in tai chi began to become more widespread. While Cheng Man Ching brought tai chi to the West, the real blossoming of tai chi in the West was due to three other factors. These are shortened simplified forms, improved teaching methods, and scientific research into the benefits of tai chi.
First, tai chi forms were shortened and simplified to be in harmony with the Western mind and lifestyle. While the longer forms often took years to learn, the Western mind was more suited to shorter forms that could be learned in months rather than years. These shorter modified forms were also more suited to people with physical challenges than were the longer traditional forms. Since most people in the West were learning tai chi to improve their health, it was very useful to have forms that, with modifications, could be done by almost anyone, no matter what their physical challenges.
A second factor in the modernization of tai chi is the utilization of what has been learned in the field of education about the most effective modes of teaching. Research has shown that teaching the learner’s way is the best way to teach anything. Since most people learn better when a new movement is broken down into segments, the stepwise progressive method has become the new standard in teaching tai chi. Attention is paid to visual learners, auditory learners, and kinaesthetic learners so that everyone in the class can learn the form in the way that best suits them. Another way to learn is through visualization and that is an important factor in teaching tai chi effectively.
A third factor in the modernization of tai chi is the increasing interest in scientific research that looks not only at the impact of tai chi on various chronic conditions, but also the mechanisms by which tai chi actually works. The 2013 book, The Harvard Medical School Guide to Tai Chi by Peter Wayne and Mark Fuerst includes information obtained from hundreds of research articles about the effects of tai chi. These range from the impact on medical conditions such as arthritis, osteoporosis, coronary artery disease, and pulmonary problems to effects on improving sleep, decreasing stress, and slowing down many aspects of aging.
The three factors of shorter forms, improved teaching methods, and scientific support have led increasing numbers of health care providers to prescribe tai chi to improve the health of their patients.
Tai Chi for Health programs have changed my life completely. I take this opportunity to say Thank You to Dr Paul Lam and my teacher Stuart Innes.I am a Multiple Sclerosis sufferer and I tried other styles of tai chi to help my condition but they focused more on perfection and were not physically accessible to me, then I found a class run by Stuart that was easier for me to learn, it was Tai Chi for Arthritis. I now know he was using The Stepwise method of teaching coupled with a dash of humour. Through this program I found an improvement in my balance, strength, co-ordination and a feeling of being in control of my life again.
After 8 years as a school teacher I could no longer work more than 3 hours continuously and so at the age of 32 had a bleak future. The program has allowed me not only to achieve my own physical and mental benefits but to be able to return to teaching. Teaching tai chi allows me to choose the hours and has the rewarding factor of helping others.
My husband has since joined me on my tai chi journey and as our 3 year old daughter loves to join in, we are now working together to teach Tai Chi for Kidz in local schools. The message I want to get across is that tai chi can really be accessible to anyone and everyone, with both health and happiness.
Bobby Calhoun, ST, Michigan, USA
Bobby began volunteering for the Arthritis Foundation in 1996; a way to take her mind off personal arthritic challenges and trained to facilitate arthritis self-help classes. In 2005 Bobby took the Tai Chi for Arthritis instructor training. She quickly discovered that tai chi not only contributed to a relaxed body and peaceful mind, it helped relieve the pain of arthritis that she had been experiencing for years. She realized that this new skill could be an opportunity to maintain her personal health and at the same time teach and help others to heal themselves. As her health improved she added Tai Chi for Diabetes, Seated Tai Chi, and Tai Chi for Energy and Fall Prevention. She is also a practitioner of Sun Style 73, Chen Style 36 and The Combined 42 forms. In 2009, she was appeared on the cover of Seated Tai Chi for Arthritis.
The facilities for her classes and demonstrations consist of recreation centers, assisted living homes, churches, schools, workplaces, individual homes, local parks, yoga studio, Alzheimer adult day care as well as cancer centers. Classes have consisted of children and adults ranging from 4 to 100 years of age.
Bobby’s formal education includes an Associate’s Degree in Secretarial Science and a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration as well as a Graduate Degree in Management. In 2010, she received certification in Applied Qigong for Holistic Healing program offered by TCCII of Washington, D.C. In February 2013, Bobby was invited to be a guest on the first TV episode for the SanKofa Life Learning & Wellness Center hosted by Naturopathic Physician, Dr. Keefa Lorraine Weatherspoon discussing the awesome benefits of Tai Chi.
From Dr Lam: "I have the pleasure of working with Bobby at the Exploring the Depth of Sun style 73 Forms after the June annual workshop at CT, USA. I personally conducted these small group classes with dedicated Tai Chi for Health instructors. Bobby works so hard to improve her tai chi which was already considerable and she absorbs knowledge like a sponge. What an inspirational lady"!
back to top
Leaving the June tai chi workshop in New London, Connecticut and driving home gave me some time for reflection on daily doses of positive humour the workshop provided everyone. Walking past other classes, in my own class, 42 Sword form, during the 9am daily meetings, and especially at the traditional Tuesday night talent show we heard lots of laughter and witnessed folks having fun. This sharing of joy, discovering how to laugh at our mistakes, and the genuine caring we shared resulted in a demonstration of the healthy and peaceful environment tai chi has been promising planet earth for a long time. Here are a few bits of flight attendant wit, taken from an airline travellers’ web site. Apparently flight attendants' announcements can be quite funny. You can add your favourites to your healthy humour library.
-
After a hard landing: "We ask you to please remain seated as Captain Kangaroo bounces us to the terminal."
-
"As you exit the plane, make sure to gather all of your belongings. Anything left behind will be distributed evenly among the flight attendants. Please do not leave children or spouses."
-
"Thank you for flying Delta Business Express. We hope you enjoyed giving us the business as much as we enjoyed taking you for a ride."
-
As the plane landed and was coming to a stop at Washington National, a lone voice came over the loudspeaker: "Whoa, big fella. Whoa!"
-
A Southwest flight attendant said this as the door was opened: "OK, now I'm going to tell you exactly what my Mama told me on my 18th birthday. GET OUTTA HERE." As passengers deplane, "Last one off the plane has to clean it."
back to top
====================
END OF NEWSLETTER
Warning: Dr. Lam does not necessarily endorse the opinion of other authors. Before practicing any program featured in this newsletter, please check with your physician or therapist. The authors and anyone involved in the production of this newsletter will not be held responsible in any way whatsoever for any injury which may arise as a result of following the instructions given in this newsletter.
