Newsletter #123 - November 2011

In this issue:

- From Me to You, Paul Lam
- Teaching People with Parkinson's, Dr Paul Lam
- The Energy of a Good Teacher, Caroline Demoise
- Feed Your Brain, Professor Troyce Thome
- Peeling an Onion, Maureen Worthen
- What Tai Chi Means to Me, Sharon Stonerock
- Scholarship from the Tai Chi for Health Community, USA, Virginia Dowling

- Feature Profile: Dr Bob McBrien

- Humour, Laughter and Radiant Health, Bob McBrien

Click on the title above to read the articles, this link to read all previous newsletters and here to subscribe.

Hello Everyone,

I feel privileged to have had the opportunity to share tai chi with so many people around the world. I would like to share a video with you on the opening and demonstration of our 9th Annual Tai Chi Workshop in USA.

This month, I conducted Exploring the Depth of TCA and Tai Chi for Energy workshops in “Robin Hood country”

Dr Paul Lam at the Exploring the Depth of Tai Chi for Arthritis workshop Nottingham UK, September 2011

Nottingham, England. I met so many people with great energy and spirit and learned a great deal. I also discovered that the combination of the Depth workshop followed by Tai Chi for Energy works perfectly. At the Depth workshop, we focused on how to grow the qi (internal energy) and use it to drive the jing (internal force), then using the jing to generate more qi. The Tai Chi for Energy workshop enhances these into a more sophisticated, powerful way of expressing your jing through spiral force. Both stronger qi and spiral force are applicable to any other tai chi styles and forms. I hope to see you at some of these workshops. All the Tai Chi for Energy workshops this year were over-subscribed, I promise to organize more for next year.

Next I went to Katwoude, in the Netherlands, just a forty minute drive from Amsterdam. The countryside is beautiful and the canals, rivers, ponds and lush vegetation reminded me of my home town in China. The people are so warm, natural and talented at tai chi. Click here to see photos of this and other workshops I recently conducted.

The One Week Workshop in Sydney on the 09 - 14 January, 2012 is almost fully booked. St Vincent’s College is a beautiful and tranquil setting, where you can enjoy the companionship of your old and new tai chi friends whilst you develop your tai chi skills. To enroll, click here as soon as possible. Feel free to email me if I can help provide more

Dr Paul Lam at the Tai Chi for Energy Workshop, St Marys GA, USA, October 2011.

information.

It is always nice to come back to the USA, my second home, where I spend a lot of my time. My mother, siblings, daughter and so many of my friends all live in the USA. In Minnesota, there was a different kind of energy, especially in the Woodbine Complimentary Hospital. The architecture in the lecture hall was so well balanced and harmonious that it made it an ideal place to conduct our workshop. Tai chi people around the world have a lot of similarities in possessing great energy and spirit, they are friendly and nice. I am looking forward to the next workshop, I hope to see you there.

My team and I have revised the Yang 24 Forms and Tai Chi for Beginners DVDs. The revised versions incorporate improved technology, provide close ups and diagrammed instructions as well as information on tai chi principles. These revised DVD's will enhance your learning experience and teachers will find them useful in improving their own presentation. Many people who have used the original versions have found the new ones useful. Click here for more information or to place an order.

Tai Chi on Prime News:

Niccola Follett, Falls Co-ordinator, Bateman’s Bay

The Tai Chi for Arthritis Instructors Training workshop organized by the Greater Southern Area Health Promotion unit, NSW Health Department, was a great success and was featured on Prime 7 News. It was aired on the Wagga Wagga news in September 2011. Click this link to see the report.

In this Newsletter:

Dr Lam shares an extract from the revised edition of Teaching Tai Chi Effectively
Caroline Demoise talks about the energy of a good teacher.
Professor Troyce Thome discusses the importance of staying mentally active.
Maureen Worthen discusses the many layers of tai chi.
Sharon Stonerock talks about what tai chi means to her.
TCHC Scholarships for June 2012, Virginia Dowling
Dr Bob McBrien is our featured profile this month.

This Month's Special:

Receive FREE POSTAGE when you buy both the revised Yang 24 Forms and Tai Chi for Beginners DVD's.

Click here for more information or to place an order.

Upcoming Workshops: by Dr Paul Lam

November 05 - November 06, Burlingame, CA, United States
Tai Chi for Diabetes Instructor Training

November 12 - November 13, Pleasant Hill, CA, United States
Exploring the Depth of Tai Chi for Arthritis Workshop

January 09 - January 14, Sydney, NSW, Australia
One Week Tai Chi Workshop

March 10 - March 11, Zhuhai, China

Tai Chi for Arthritis Instructor Training

Many other workshops conducted by my authorised master trainers are listed in Workshop Calendar.

Yours in Tai Chi,

Paul Lam, MD

/taichiforhealthinstitute.org/

Teaching People with Parkinson’s
An extract from Teaching Tai Chi Effectively, By Dr Paul Lam

“Parkinson’s is a progressive disease of the nervous system. It is marked by tremor, muscular rigidity, slow,

imprecise movement, postural instability and a greater likelihood of falling. Parkinson’s mainly affects middle-aged and elderly people. It is associated with degeneration of the basal ganglia of the brain and a deficiency of the neurotransmitter dopamine. It is similar to MS in that both are neurological conditions However, individuals with MS may experience severe episodes followed by periods of remission, whereas Parkinson's is progressive.

You can follow the guidelines for MS but bear in mind the need to adapt the program depending on the status of your participants. For example, postural instability and increased risk of falling are major challenges for people with Parkinson's. Thus, for your participant’s safety and your peace of mind, ask those with Parkinson’s to remain seated or, when standing, to hold onto a chair or other aid.

As people with Parkinson’s benefit from a thorough stretching program, which targets each joint and muscle group, take your time when going through the warm up exercises. Emphasize expanding the joints as you move through each exercise; neck, shoulders, spine, hips, knees, and ankles. Have participants visualise moving against an imagined resistance, such as dense air, water or Jell-O, to help build muscle strength.”

Encourage these participants to do each movement to the best of their ability and visualise those movements they cannot physically perform. Make sure they know to stop and rest when they feel tired, as overexertion can make their symptoms worse. It is important for those with Parkinson’s to exercise and remain active. Exercising with others makes exercising more fun. But because of the progression of the disease, they may often hesitate to join a class. Thus, it is crucial for you to warmly welcome them to your class. If you exhibit patience and understanding, your other participants will too.”

The Energy of a Good Teacher
Caroline Demoise, Master Trainer, Chapel Hill, NC, USA

Caroline discusses the importance of a teacher’s energy toward students in creating a good learning environment.

There are many components to being an effective teacher. Tai chi skill, ability to communicate and the energy you

Caroline Demoise Master Trainer TCH program, discussing the energy of a good teacher.

bring to the classroom experience are all important. Using a teaching method that is safe and appropriate for older people and those with chronic conditions is essential and periodic self-evaluation is valuable because you want to improve your teaching. Do you feel comfortable explaining the mechanics of tai chi movement? Can you describe internal concepts to your students? Does your form express the underlying principles? Are you patient and encouraging? Consider the energy you bring to class; how you speak to a person, or what you are thinking about students as you watch their movements and make comments to the class. Non-verbal communication is equally as important as verbal communication.

I have personally known tai chi practitioners with a high degree of skill who brought the energy of judgment into the class and damaged the teaching environment by yelling at a misaligned foot, making unkind remarks to a student, viewing them in a competitive way, or considering them “tai chi hopeless”. Harboring negative thoughts in your mind, whether you say them aloud or not, poisons the teaching interaction on an energetic level. Students feel what you are thinking. Yes, they feel nonverbal communication. What a scary thought! Basically your motivation is to help them succeed and that requires identifying what needs to be improved, but if that area needing improvement gets associated in your mind with a judgment or negative feeling, you are sabotaging your ability to help that person.

Because we live in a dualistic world and have been taught to discriminate and identify differences in every aspect of our life; we look for what is good and immediately see what is deficient. This is a survival skill. Have you ever noticed how your eye can spot a mistake instantly in a student or feel a mistake in your own practice session? This is normal. What is less common is to remain neutral about what we see and feel. Ask yourself honestly; am I critical of myself and others? When you catch yourself making a mistake, do you hear that critical voice in your mind saying something like “how stupid” or “darn, you did that again” which are the energetic equivalents to a physical slap. When you see others doing something less well than you, it registers and subtly, without realizing it, you can judge them or feel annoyed that they aren’t getting it yet. The energetic message you send powerfully affects a student. When you are evaluating your effectiveness as a teacher, do consider the skill level of your class and their progress over time as a measure, but also think about the energetic message you send in class behind your words.

Everyone wants to be accepted; everyone likes being encouraged. When the group leader brings the energy of compassion and encouragement to the class, it gives everyone permission to be themselves, to value where they are in skill level now and to thrive as they learn more about tai chi. They will see opportunities to learn, not how they have disappointed you again. People feel good about trying something challenging for them in the energy of enthusiasm and camaraderie. Being aware of the energy you bring into each situation and desiring to bring out the best in every student is something we can all work on and improve. Bringing a good energy to class is as important as your teaching method and the skill you have developed and are imparting. Good energy encourages, nourishes and inspires students to develop their potential and enjoy the process.

Feed Your Brain

Professor Troyce Thome, Master Trainer, California, USA

A couple of months ago a few of my girlfriends and I were waiting to go to dinner together. While we waited for other friends to join us we chatted about this and that as girls tend to do. One of my friends showed us a small credit card sized magnifying glass that contained a small flashlight feature. It worked great for being able to see things like the check at a dimly lit restaurant! We were all excited about this handy little device and we each wanted one, being as our eye sight isn’t quite what it was 40 years or so ago. We started to laugh at the fact that 40 years ago the conversations we were having would have been much different than the conversation we were having now.

Funny how things begin to change as we age! Not just the apparent things such as fading eyesight and expanding waist lines, but perspectives on life and aging tend to shift as well.

As a young adult I can remember how I would often grow quite impatient with the “old fogies” on the road slowing down the traffic. Now I find myself with a new perspective; admiring the fact that the “old fogie” is managing to maintain their independence!

I find myself thinking ahead another 40 years down the road. How well will I be able to maintain my independence at that time? I start asking “what can I do now that will help me maintain my independence as I continue to age?” As we age we usually become more aware of the challenges many older adults older face as they age, such as painful joints, digestive disorders, type II diabetes and other chronic conditions often associated with “old age”. We may even begin to develop strategies to try and prevent the preventable and slow the progression of the unpreventable. We try to improve our diet, take vitamins, exercise, get regular medical check-ups and play games like crossword puzzles to try and keep our minds sharp. We do all of this because we hope that by eating well, and exercising our bodies and our minds we will stay physically fit, and mentally sharp as we grow older.

Does all of this discipline and exercise really work to help us sail into old age with robust health and mental clarity? We do know the old adage “use it or lose it” applies to our physical fitness, that to stay physically strong we need to use our muscles to maintain muscle tone and strength, we need to exercise to maintain cardiovascular fitness and endurance. But what measures can be taken to make sure we stay mentally sharp? Is the brain really “fixed” as previously believed? Is there nothing we can do but hope that our mental faculties last as long as our physical health lasts?

A little more than a decade ago neuroscientists believed the brain was a fixed structure, maturing to a certain point in the young adult. The only change that occurred in the mature adult brain was a steady state of decline with age. Certain parts of the brain were assigned to certain tasks and if we lost a certain function such as sight, then the area of the brain assigned to sight would become dormant.

Now thanks to MRI and PET scans neuroscientists have the ability to map activity in the brain. They are challenging theories of the past, no longer adhering to the theory of the brain as a “fixed” structure. With technology in hand neuroscientists are providing convincing arguments that the brain has a high degree of plasticity and that in many cases premature cognitive decline is a function of life style rather than age. Dr. Richard Restak a leading neurologist and neuropsychiatrist states “Simply put, an otherwise healthy older person can reduce his or her risk of developing dementia (formally referred to as senility) by remaining mentally active.”

So the question now becomes how do we remain mentally active? How can we nourish our minds so that we can continually reap the rewards of a fertile mind, rich with resources that we have cultivated over the years? In his book Brain Health Lifestyle Dr. Paul David Nussbaum sites the findings of a research study conducted in the 1950’s to “investigate whether environment had any effect on the structure and function of the animal brain”. According to Dr. Nussbaum researchers found that rodents living in an enriched environment had larger cortexes, more cellular connections (synaptic connections) and more new brain cells in the hippocampus than their counterparts who have been raised in an “un-enriched environment”. So what then constitutes an “enriched environment”? Dr. Nussbaum came up with three key factors that were critical to an “enriched” environment. They are: (1) Socialization: the rodents had others rodents of its own kind in the environment (2) Physical Activity: the rodents had a running wheel to exercise on; and (3) Mental Stimulation: there were toys the rodents could play with. A later study done in 1998 “found the human brain to have the same ability to develop new brain cells” as the study done with the rodents.

How can we provide ourselves with an “enriched environment”? There are many activities available in today’s world that can keep us physically and mentally challenged. One only needs to look around their community for an activity that is a good source for physical exercise, mental stimulation while simultaneously providing socialization.

Although there are several choices, closer examination reveals some activities may be too physically challenging for the older adult, and at the same time, not stimulating enough for the younger adult. The practice of tai chi however, has been steadily gaining popularity as an ideal mind/body exercise for all ages. One style in particular, Sun Style, contains several features that make it a very attractive choice as an exercise program.

Sun Style Taijiquan is the perfect exercise program for younger as well as older practitioners to meet the criteria outlined in the study. Sun Style Taijiquan has higher stances than other forms of taijiquan and has a "follow-stepping" method making it easier for older adults to participate. However, don’t let that fool you into believing this is a “watered down” form of taijiquan. Sun Style Tajiquan was developed by Sun Lu Tang, a well-respected martial artist of his time. He designed the Sun Style Taiji form as a way to deliver the maximum amount of force with the least amount of effort. He was able to accomplish this by utilizing proper (hence efficient) body mechanics in all of the movements in the form. Practicing Sun Style Taijiquan helps improve posture and improve the alignment of joints especially knees, hips, and shoulders. Thus by practicing tai chi correctly we not only increasing muscle tone and strength, improving our aerobic endurance we also participate in a mind/body exercise that strengthens our minds as well.

Taijiquan practitioners often get together to “play” taiji, which means they get together to practice the forms they have learned as a group or to participate in a game called “push hands.” Push hands is a game designed to test the sensitivity level of each partner as well as improve balance and posture.

Practicing taijiquan in a class or just getting together with a few friends to play taijiquan in a park meets all three of the criteria found in the study for good brain health; physical exercise, mental stimulation and socialization. Sign up for a taiji class in your area or round up a few friends to practice taiji together and begin to create better health for yourself and others! You will marvel at how staying healthy can be so much fun!

Peeling an Onion
Maureen Worthen, Senior Trainer, Tasmania

Peeling an onion? Not the most appealing analogy of a practice associated with expressions such as gentle; inner

Maureen Worthen explaining learning tai chi is like peeling an onion with layers within layers.

peace; flowing movement; mind, body and spirit. To the person taking that initial step on the journey of tai chi, not exactly words to inspire! So what has an onion got to do with tai chi at all?

When we are new to tai chi our main aim is to learn movements and it is usually not until we have accomplished a few sets of movements that we can appreciate that there may be more to tai chi than initially meets the eye. As we progress, with each goal we reach, we realise there is more, and we have to go out and find it. But, do we know exactly what we are looking for? It is very difficult to find something when you are not sure what it is you seek! So what is this 'more'? Where can we find it?

We seem to uncover layers and layers of information and still there is 'more.' Maybe this is the analogy to peeling an onion, but again, not an inspiring thought! Sometimes, when we uncover a particular aspect of tai chi we then go on to find that there is even 'more' to that aspect. Seems like there could be layers within the individual layers of this onion! Could this be a reference to the word 'depth' that frequently crops up in tai chi?

Even after searching our minds, attending workshops and classes, reading books or watching instructional DVDs, we find ourselves still searching for this 'more.' No matter the endeavour or how deeply we delve, our thirst for 'more' still persists and there are always more and more layers!

So, is the practice of tai chi like peeling an onion after all? An onion does indeed have many layers and so does tai chi, so the answer has to be, “'Yes!” But, there is a difference! The tai chi onion is very special in that there seems to be an infinite number of layers, with layers within layers, allowing the practitioner, whether professional or 'lay', access to an infinite learning process. As for 'more', I know this elusive 'more' will always be part of my life, but I am now clear on what I am looking for, and that is 'more!' And the answer to "Where can we find it?" Within the depth of our special onion!

Thanks to all who continue to 'inspire' us to 'aspire' and special thanks to Dr Lam for providing the appropriate 'tools' to help us to 'peel an onion.'

What Tai Chi Means To Me
Sharon Stonerock, Tai Chi Instructor, Wolf Creek, Ohio, USA.

In 2007 my life felt depressed, unhappy, unfulfilling and lacking in inner peace. I was searching for something

Sharon Stonerock talks about what tai chi means to her.

deeper that could help me in my own personal growth towards peace, happiness, and spirituality. A good friend introduced me to tai chi and it seemed to be the perfect fit for me, being a person who likes to move. I loved the slow movement and mindfulness of tai chi. As I learned more I realized that I could concentrate, be present in the moment, feel peaceful, and move at the same time. I began attending workshops, became certified in TCA and began to help teach in my class at the Wolf Creek YMCA.

As time went on I began noticing some benefits. I am a Type II diabetic for over 20 years and my health reports began to show great improvement. My highest A1C was 7.1 and my most recent results have been 5.9 - 6.0 which are high normal. I also had some side effects in my right eye which caused me to have some laser surgery, a cataract removed and a lens implant. There was a time when I feared I would lose sight in that eye. Now my glaucoma is under control and my vision has actually improved. I feel like I am moving forward and am finally finding inner peace and more joy in my life.

This year I attended a weeklong workshop for the first time in Terre Haute, Indiana to be certified in TCO and TCD. I experienced the wonderful spirit and energy there and finally met Dr. Lam. Now I want to learn more tai chi and teach it in other places in the community to spread the word about the benefits, the beauty and depth of it, and the satisfaction one can get by just doing it. It has enriched my life beyond words and it is impossible to express the feelings I experience practicing it. Tai chi has touched my very soul. I am happy and grateful for that.

TCHC Scholarships for June 2012 Workshop
Virginia Dowling, Scholarship Selection Committee, TCHC

Tai Chi for Health Community is an association of Tai Chi for Health instructors and practitioners formed in the

Teaching tai chi effectively to people with Parkinson’s disease.

United States to encourage and promote Tai Chi for Health Program. One of the activities is to support Dr. Lam’s weeklong June workshop in the United States. The 2012 workshop will be in June 11-16 in Memphis, Tennessee.

For the last several years, TCHC has awarded scholarships for full or half coverage of the tuition for this workshop. To apply for these scholarships, you must be a member of TCHC by December 1, 2011 and applications are due by February 1, 2012. Further information about this scholarship and the application is available on the TCHC website. Membership in TCHC also entitles you to a discount when registering for the workshop.

Feature Profile: Dr Bob McBrien

In 1999, Dr. Bob McBrien was introduced to Tai Chi for Health at Dr. Lam’s first USA TCA instructor training

Dr Bob Mc Brien, president of Tai Chi for Health Community opening the tai chi workshop Terre Haute IN, USA in June 2011

workshop, held in New Jersey. He continued his studies and teaching of Dr. Lam's Tai for Health programs and in 2007 was appointed senior trainer through the efforts of Pat Lawson his mentor. His Master Trainer training in Sydney was in 2008. To guide his growth as an MT Dr. Bob turned to Pat Lawson and Ralph Dehner who serve as his mentors. Other certifications in the Paul Lam System include modified Tai Chi programs for: Arthritis, Osteoporosis & Fall Prevention; also Diabetes, Back Pain and Energy. His monthly column on Humor, Laughter and Radiant Health appears in Dr. Lam’s online Tai Chi, Health and Lifestyle Newsletter. Dr Bob currently serves as President of the Tai Chi for Health Community member organization in the US.

Dr. Bob’s first training in martial arts was in Taekwondo (his fourth Dan was awarded by Grand Master S. H. Park) He also studied Okinawan Karate for a brief period in Japan. He first studied Yang style Tai Chi Chuan with Professor Ben Fusaro at Salisbury University in Maryland where Bob spent his career. He is retired and was designated Professor Emeritus in recognition of his service to the university. Continued training includes attending Dr. Lam’s one week workshops in the USA, Australia and a special workshop on the Sun 73 in Tuscany, Italy. Currently he studies Tai Chi Essential Principles and Wu Ji Gong Qigong with Master William Ting in New Jersey.

A Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, he has national board certifications in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and Cognitive-Behavior Therapy he is a Wellness Educator conducting workshops & speaking on: Peak Performance Training, Natural Approaches to Well-Being, Relaxation Therapy, Breath Work, The Laughter Remedy and The Way of Energy for Radiant Health.

Humour, Laughter and Radiant Health
Dr Bob McBrien, Master Trainer, Salisbury, MD, USA

We all have a minimum daily requirement of daily humor as we seek the goal of radiant health (wellness). Where

Bob McBrien, Master Trainer of Tai Chi for Health

can healthy humor be found?

I recommended that you be alert for humor opportunities as your day goes on. You can have a laugh reading bumper stickers. I saw these recently: "I have good Brakes, Do you have Good insurance?" and, "Don't follow me. I'm lost too!" You may notice funny signs in store windows. I enjoyed reading this sign for a hair salon, "Curl Up & Dye," and while driving on a trip I saw this sign at a highway service plaza: "Diesel Fried Chicken." Of course one way to enjoy a laugh and share it with others is to tell a joke or funny story. I think that you and your friends will enjoy the following:

* One sunny November morning a farmer walking on his property noticed a van parked on the roadside next to his biggest pasture. A man was unloading equipment near the gate. Walking over the farmer asked, "Can I help you?" The man looked up and said, "No I am just going into survey this pasture."

Surprised, the farmer said, "This is my field, I didn't order any survey." The stranger replied, "I am a government official and am authorized to survey any field I choose." He took out an official looking badge and showed it to the farmer. Then he picked up his equipment and walked through the gate and out into the pasture.

The farmer calmly walked over to the next pasture and opened another gate connecting the two pastures. Within a few minutes his prize bull, moved through the gate and gave chase to the official.

As the man desperately ran toward the gate to the roadside the farmer called out: " Show him your badge! Show him your badge!"

Have a joke or funny story? Pass it on, send to drbobtaichi@juno.com

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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.

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