Newsletter #142 - June 2013
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After 20 years and hundreds of tai chi workshops, I continue to be energised and reinvigorated; my passion for
the Tai Chi for Health vision grows with each workshop. In May, my world teaching tour started in Singapore. Working with nearly 50 enthusiastic participants and facilitators, we searched for the real purpose of tai chi, the most effective ways to grow our qi (internal energy), convert it to jing (internal force) and use it to generate more qi. It was a great pleasure for me and my colleagues to see participants eagerly absorb the knowledge and skill, their fulfilled smiles at the end of the workshop more than rewarded our effort. We were especially excited that Brenda Hum, a Master Trainer from Adelaide, Australia and her husband George, a retired doctor joined us. Another retired doctor, Dr Lam, came from Sarawak, Indonesia with his colleague.
the Tai Chi for Health vision grows with each workshop. In May, my world teaching tour started in Singapore. Working with nearly 50 enthusiastic participants and facilitators, we searched for the real purpose of tai chi, the most effective ways to grow our qi (internal energy), convert it to jing (internal force) and use it to generate more qi. It was a great pleasure for me and my colleagues to see participants eagerly absorb the knowledge and skill, their fulfilled smiles at the end of the workshop more than rewarded our effort. We were especially excited that Brenda Hum, a Master Trainer from Adelaide, Australia and her husband George, a retired doctor joined us. Another retired doctor, Dr Lam, came from Sarawak, Indonesia with his colleague.My tai chi workshops totally engaged me, my colleagues and all the participants. Everyone found more enjoyment and fulfilment and felt motivated to practice more. The article by Maureen describing teaching tai chi with passion and Caroline’s article about lifelong learning came at the ideal time among my workshops.
After Singapore I went to Nottingham in England to meet Robin Hood. I learned a lot about Robin Hood from an enthusiastic actor/historian and as you might guess, at the end of his tour Robin Hood was tai chi-ing with me! We completed a very successful and enjoyable Tai Chi for Kidz Master Trainers’ workshop in Nottingham, and continued with a Tai Chi for Kidz instructor training workshop in London. There was so much laughter it felt like a two day party! The inspiring ideas from the participants to bring this potentially life changing exercise/art to our future generation is amazing. I will share more about that later.
In London I conducted another Exploring the Depth workshop followed by a Tai Chi for Energy instructor training workshop. These two work synergistically to enhance the ultimate purpose of tai chi, and then express it in the sophisticated spiral (silk reeling) force. I loved to see the participants incorporate the spiral force into their tai chi at the end of the workshop. They were eager to share with their students and friends.
I was excited to work with 84 year old Mary Ann as well as many younger participants. I would like to share some of the exciting work at the workshop with you, watch my video clip “What is qi?” taped from one of the Exploring the Depth workshops last year. I have posted many clips at the area especially reserved for premier instructors. Do check it out.
Last month I talked to you about social media. Was I excited to meet John! He searched the web and found my Facebook page, we chatted and he came to my workshop in London. He did not stop gleaming for the entire workshop. Meet him (in orange Tshirt) in this picture – didn’t he have nice tai chi? I still don’t know much about Facebook and Twitter, but I am trying to talk to you there as often as possible, if it can bring John to the workshop, it is worth the effort. Do visit my Facebook page and subscribe to my Twitter and Youtube. Ask me anything and I will try to answer as soon as I can. Remember to “like” us everywhere you go, they tell me that the more people like us, the more people get to join Tai Chi for Health and the less it will cost for you to join my workshop and use my DVDs.
Earlier in the year I shared with you how inspiring it was working with the Sri Lankan people with some photos. There is so much interest from the participants so here is another message from Sri Lanka about the spirit of giving. Tai chi is indeed one of the best things we can give and share with the people in the Third World.
At one of the annual tai chi workshop in USA, Dan Jones, master trainer and martial artist for more than 40 years, shares his journey in learning tai chi from a Chinese master. It was one of the most popular presentations, best appreciated from watching it.
In this newsletter:-
Dr Paul Lam recalls his experience in Sri Lanka
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Maureen Worthen talks about the vital roles of love and passion in teaching tai chi.
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Caroline Demoise tells us how teaching tai chi has enriched her life for over thirty years.
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Janice Green and Anne Crichton report from Manchester, England on World Tai Chi day.
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Lynne Michaelis tells us what the tai chi greeting means to her.
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Dr Bob McBrien treats us to our regular dose of tai chi humour.
This Month’s Special:
"Tai Chi for Energy is a great way to improve your tai chi depth and learn the spiral force. The music captures Dr Lam's tai chi energy to enhance your practice".
Purchase Dr Lam's Tai Chi for Energy DVD AND Tai Chi Music CD Vol 2 and receive 35% discount.
Please quote coupon code TCEM613.
Limit to one order per person. Click here for more information or to place your order.
Jun 08-09. Tai Chi for Beginners Instructor Training
New London, CT, United States
Jun 10-15. One Week Tai Chi Workshop
New London, CT, United States
Jul 04-05. Exploring the Depth of Tai Chi for Arthritis
Sydney, NSW, Australia
Jul 06-07. Tai Chi for Arthritis Instructor Training
Sydney, NSW, Australia
Jul 06-07. Tai Chi for Diabetes Instructor Training
Sydney, NSW, Australia
Jul 06-07. Tai Chi for Osteoporosis Instructor Training
Sydney, NSW, Australia
Jul 06-07. Tai Chi for Energy Instructor Training
Sydney, NSW, Australia
Jul 07-07. Tai Chi for Arthritis Multiple Update
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. Exploring the Depth of Tai Chi for Arthritis
Miami Beach, 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.
Passion! What is 'passion' and how does it fit in with a description of teaching tai chi? The word 'passion' as a descriptor has many interpretations depending on the context in which it is used. When we think of passion, a link in our minds is most popularly made to the feeling of love. So what has this got to do with teaching tai chi? We often use the term 'love' when we express our feelings for tai chi; our love for the wonderful art of tai chi and sharing it with others.So how do we go about sharing this 'love' with others? Once we have learned tai chi to the best of our ability through the resources available to us, then the most obvious route to take is to start a class within the community.
However, just conducting a class is not the only factor to consider. We can share all we know about tai chi and endeavour to teach the movements to a perceived 'perfection,' but there is an ingredient that is more important than just knowledge, and that is 'enthusiasm.' Adding this ingredient to knowledge, adds a depth that will spark a keen interest and hold the attention of the participant or student for a much longer time than teaching a subject without it. Professor Brian Cox from the world of science is a perfect analogy. I am reticent to admit that I have only ever possessed just a fleeting interest in science and normally a documentary on the subject would be very difficult for me to watch, but I am always transfixed to the TV screen when Professor Cox is presenting his program. On one occasion, I wondered what it was about him that was so captivating. My answer was, his enthusiasm and love for the subject.
So how do we go about our teaching tai chi with passion? I favour a light hearted approach, engendering an atmosphere of positivity and comradeship within the group. I acknowledge that each of us has varying capabilities in performing tai chi movements and varying abilities as to the amount of information we are able to absorb at any one time. My personal experience of successful learning is one of encouragement rather than over-correction and I hope this is mirrored in my own teaching. However, no matter how passionate we feel about something, it is always wise to remember that balance is the key to happiness and success in everyday life and this is also true for any tai chi class. That is, balance between teaching, practice and just enjoying or “letting go of tai chi.1”
And finally, I find it deeply heart-warming to witness the happy, smiling faces that greet me at the start of the session and bid me farewell at the end. This I take as true enforcement that the success of my tai chi classes has been built on a base of teaching with passion. If we are passionate about our tai chi in the truest sense, then our enthusiasm and love will emanate from within. As the 19th century poet and lecturer, Ralph Waldo Emerson said, “Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm.”
1 “Letting Go of Tai Chi,” Shelia Rae, Master Trainer
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What could be more wonderful than a lifetime of learning? When you enter the tai chi world that is exactly what is available to you through various forms, and when you apply the underlying tai chi principles to each form you practice and to every situation in life. I had no idea what all would unfold when I began tai chi in the park thirty years ago in California. And it has been a remarkable journey learning different forms and being exposed to different perspectives from a variety of teachers.
When you begin to teach tai chi, the learning really begins to intensify. Being passionate about sharing what you have learned and helping others along the way is the motivation to becoming a lifelong learner yourself. Every teacher needs a teacher themselves so that their students will never outgrow them. When you continue to grow, you have new things to share with your students every year.
Your colleagues often have skills that they learned that you might be interested in learning yourself. I have found this to be true within Dr. Lam’s institute. My initiation into Chen came when I invited Dan Jones to do a workshop for several of us at my home a few years ago. This year I asked Dan to share his knowledge of silk reeling and related depth principles for master trainers and senior trainers who were interested. We completed that training recently in Florida and it was a huge success. Feel free to ask anyone who attended about their experience. In fact, everyone was so inspired that we will be doing it again later this year in December.
What I loved most about the training was the amazing feeling in my body that comes when you generate spiral energy. Feeling the energy flow intensify, noticing how my arms respond to qi and how movement can be effortless when responding to the intention of the mind was priceless. The more we practiced, the bigger the smile on my face became. I noticed that others in the room were also experiencing the delight of exploring the inner aspects of movement. In addition, I loved the enthusiasm of our teacher and the harmonious way that the group interacted. One of my priorities is encouraging us to work together cooperatively, and training together is a great way to promote that feeling. So the workshop for me was as much about building tai chi community as building tai chi skill.
Opportunities to share information and learn together are precious and we should cultivate them and make them an integral part of our life together. When tai chi instructors come together in this spirit of sharing, everyone grows in unexpected ways. This is a priority in my life and I invite you to make it a priority in your life.
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For the first time we celebrated World Tai Chi Day here in Eccles, Manchester, England. We approached all groups in the local area, not only those following the Tai Chi for Health programme, but groups who studied Classic Sun Style, Infinite Tai Chi and representatives from the Chinese Community in Manchester.
We were rewarded with 150 people arriving on the day filling our chosen venue to capacity.
The event was opened by the Assistant Mayor for Communications, and at 10.am, after a group warm up, we all participated in our own forms of Tai Chi.
After a brief tea break each individual group took to the floor and students were able to join in and try all the different forms on offer, for example; TCA, TCO, TCD, Classic Sun Style, Yang, and Infinite Tai Chi. As you can imagine, there was much laughter and enjoyment as we all attempted these different styles. Certainly by lunch time there were no longer any strangers in the room. Everyone had at least met one new friend.
After a short lunch break, we were treated to demonstrations of Fan and Sword, from the Chinese Community, and a different form of Fan from a group from St Helens and a representative of Infinite Tai Chi. The afternoon reluctantly drew to a close with everyone joining in TCA.
When we first thought about organising this event it was our aim for everyone from various places in the North West of England to come together, meet one another and begin to realise that they were all part of a much larger community, spreading not only throughout the North West, but all over the United Kingdom and, in fact, the rest of the world. From the positive the feed back, we received at the end of the day, our aim was achieved. Personally I can’t wait to get started on the next one, but I am sure, as the word spreads of our enjoyment, we will need bigger premises.
I believe that the universal greeting in Tai Chi has had such an impact on my personal life. During 5 years of practice and instruction of Tai Chi in a hydrotherapy pool the components of this greeting is so profound. As a student and as teacher we immerse ourselves over and over again to show mutual respect, strength, friendship and humility. This , for me is and ongoing involvement with the Tai Chi concept and responsibility of sharing. Indeed, we will in our own small way be able to contribute to others' well being and will make us better human beings.In addition, I would like to suggest that each of us take some "time out" from the teacher pedestal and enjoy a different and very rewarding form of personal growth to help strengthen our awareness of other individuals health conditions.
It is a wonderful opportunity to be guided by another person - share their expertise – then be able to share with others. This, for me is such a privilege- to offer healthy benefits to others and help them cope with pain.
I have had the opportunity to share my tai chi experiences with you all. It has thus become a global privilege for me to help others and thus help myself to enjoy the health benefits of tai chi for arthritis. sincerely, in peace and chi,
Lynne
Lynne
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Rani Hughes is an Occupational Therapist and Master Trainer for the Tai Chi for Health programs who has very deep roots in the Buddhist meditation style. Her meditation teacher, Bhante Kassapa, is a highly respected and very senior monk who lives at Rockhill Retreat Centre in Sri Lanka. At the January 2013 workshop Rani told us that the year before she had visited her meditation teacher for three months and he was teaching meditation at the Kandy General Hospital, Sri Lanka’s second largest hospital.Whilst Bhante was teaching the idea of tai chi was mentioned, so Bhante introduced Rani to the Clinical Director of Psychiatry and the head of the Physiotherapy Department. Within weeks they had arranged a Tai Chi for Arthritis training workshop for their doctors, physiotherapists and occupational therapists. Rani and I jointly donated the teaching materials for the workshop.
At the January 2013 workshop the participants generously donated nearly $1,000 towards the cost of the next workshop. On top of that, Brenda Hum, another Master Trainer, worked with a women’s organisation to fund Rani’s next Sri Lankan trip. On 2nd and 3rd February this year, Rani donated her time to conduct a second Tai Chi for Arthritis workshop. I was so impressed by her public spirit that I travelled to Sri Lanka to co-present the workshop, donating my time and paying my own expenses.
The Sri Lankan people are amazing; despite problems with poverty and inadequate resources they are happy and philosophical, with a wonderful friendly and giving spirit. Gordy, a Mathematics professor at the University of Colombo, spent many hours organising this workshop. He was also helped by Rohan Muthumuala the instigator of the Wushu Federation who is also a teacher and the organizer of the Wushu curriculum for Sri Lankan schools. The workshop continued to grow and expand through the support of Bhante and Kandy Hospital. It was amazingly successful; I met people who had been given a Tai Chi for Arthritis DVD and who had practiced every day since, and had been teaching others. There were health professionals, teachers and people from all walks of life.
Bhante wants to bring tai chi to all the monks and nuns throughout the nation.
Everywhere we travelled with Bhante people rushed to prostrate themselves at his feet and pay homage to him. The monks and nuns live a simple life, devoting themselves to helping others, and disciplining themselves to follow the restraints of their chosen path.
I celebrate my lunar calendar birthday in honour of my aunt. Her last words to me were to remember my birthday, and to be sure to have an egg on that day. I have adhered to that, despite my kids often complaining that my birthday moves around every year in accordance with the lunar calendar. It so happens this year that my solar calendar birthday was 2nd February and my lunar calendar birthday was 3rd February. On both days I was working with Rani so that shows how much I enjoy teaching tai chi. I often work on my birthdays, so I hadn’t mentioned it to anyone but it came out after the workshop during a newspaper interview. Then I found out that the day after my birthday, 4th February was a public holiday; Independance Day. Sri Lanka became independent the same year I was born – 1948, and almost on the same day! On that day Bhante took me to Kandy Hospital where we made a presentation to the staff there. Some of the staff were working that day, but several came to the talk even though they had the day off.
Afterwards Bhante took me to his mountain home and meditation centre. He runs a meditation class for the first ten days of each month, and his classes are so popular that he had to withdraw his advertising, as the waiting lists were huge. The mountain is very beautiful; a photographer’s dream. I met people from Europe, Australia, Bangladesh, New Zealand and Russia. Around twenty young monks from Bangladesh, ranging from 11 to 15, live there under Bhante’s care; they are either orphaned or their families are unable to support them. Visitors to the retreat pitch in – Rani teaches them English and tai chi, and I met a maths teacher from Australia who had been tutoring them.
Bhante invited me to take an impromptu tai chi session for all at the retreat, and it was very special to see people from around the world, some of whom barely knew what tai chi was, enthusiastically participate and gracefully accept my short lesson. Our languages were all different, and communication was limited, but the young monks all had beaming smiles as they followed me through a couple of sets of Tai Chi for Energy. We were united in movement and enjoyment.
My rich experiences in Kandy tell me that the future lies within the spirit of giving. In wealthy countries we can sometimes focus too much on material wealth, whilst a poor country like Sri Lanka undertakes to provide lodgings to people from Bangladesh who are less fortunate than them.
From the onset of the Tai Chi for Health program I have wanted to share it with others, and provide it for free. Many people have approached me, some even with fully developed commercial strategies, wanting to franchise the program. I felt that would create barriers which would prevent the program from growing and reaching those who really need it. I have seen in Sri Lanka that the spirit of giving is sometimes stronger in those who have the least to spare and I believe that the world would do better with less emphasis on material things, and more on the spirit of giving. I am confident that the Tai Chi for Health community will flourish throughout Sri Lanka thanks to the natural generosity of its people.
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We get many of the same health benefits that a relaxing tai chi workout produces. Enjoying a funny story and having a good laugh generate "positivity" , thus contributing to radiant health.Making regular deposits in our positive emotions account is viewed as a critical necessity if we are to function optimally in the challenges we confront daily. Professor Barbara Frederickson at the University of North Carolina describes this search for joy, contentment and interest as an investment we all should consider.
Positive humor and the laughter it contributes to radiant health. Here are a few more opportunities to have a laugh. Feel free to pass these bumper sticker 'one-liners' along to family and friends.
• Honk if you love peace & quiet.
• Lead me not into temptation, I can find it myself.
• Ever stop to think and forget to start again?
• Chaos. Panic. Disorder. My work is done here.
• Change is inevitable, except from a vending machine
• Ambivalent? Well yes and no.
• Do Vegetarians eat animal crackers?
• I get enough exercise just pushing my luck!
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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.
