I started taking the free tai chi class at the local senior center last month. Having learned some tai chi movements back in the 1980s, I knew tai chi would be good for my health. The teacher was encouraging when I told her about my knees (no cartilage in them according to the specialist). She let me know that it was okay to not attempt more than my body can handle at any moment. In other words, do not over do and screw up your body.
Just from the first class, I realized these things about me:
- I breathe shallowly. I need to be mindful about breathing deeply.
- I hold a lot of tension in my body, particularly in my hips, legs, and knees. I need to relax my body, particularly the muscles around my tailbone. When I do, the pain decreases and I can chip away at the stiffness.
- I'm not confident that my knees can support me so I walk with my body bent forward. The movements reinforce the concept of empty and full steps. In short, I can trust my legs. That when I put weight on one leg, it will support me as I take a step to the side, front, or back.
- I snooze, I lose.
Tai chi! Good for you!
ReplyDeleteAmalia
xo
Thanks, Amalia. :-)
DeleteGood work, keep it up!
ReplyDeleteLove the song, thanks for sharing.
Just found your blog, I am your newest follower.
Hi, Kay, glad to meet you. :-) I won't be back to class for 3 weeks but I'll check out online videos in the meanwhile.
DeleteIt is truly amazing how many parts of our body we tense up when we're in constant or near-constant pain, or even just the fear of it. Glad to hear you're un-tensing. :)
ReplyDeleteEvery time I'm aware of being in clenched mode, I stop, straighten up, release, and breathe deeply. Several times a day!
DeleteTia Chi taught me to step carefully and breathe. Glad you have rediscovered it! I haven't been able to go as all the classes now seem to be at 8 p.m. or during my work hours.
ReplyDeleteOur instructor is certified to teach Dr. Paul Lam tai chi movements. I might purchase the CD so I can practice between classes. Of course, me being me, thought for a second that it could be fun teaching tai chi to seniors. lol
DeleteThanks, G! I can hear you. :-)
ReplyDeleteAwareness is the first step to healing …. and you gained a bushel and a peck of awareness from this first class! About five years ago, when I was in a very stressful work situation, I went through a few weeks of intense lower back pain - the only way I could get out of bed was to 'roll' out - not very graceful, I can tell you. After the stress was past, the lower back pain miraculously disappeared!
ReplyDeleteLast week I read about stress being a possible cause for arthritis. That got me wondering how much going through the Mama's dying process with her kicked in the start of the consistently unbearable pain in my knees. Two years later, the occasional pain is now bearable.
DeleteBrave, You Are!!!!
ReplyDeleteBrilliant Is Your Picture.
Thanks, G. You would know about courage, you do. :-)
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