Newsletter #152 - April 2014
#In this issue:
Click on the title above to read the articles, this link to read all previous newsletters and here to subscribe
#Hello Everyone,
Recently I conducted my Zhuhai workshop and then I toured China with the same group of participants. I expected my personal highlight to be playing tai chi in the spectacular Wuyi mountain range, overlooking the 9 Twist Stream. Indeed it was a sublime experience. Almost as exciting was the next day when our group went outdoors for our morning practice to a busy Guangzhou street, complete with construction noise, handcarts and bikes cutting through our area, and curious pedestrians. We were delighted when, prompted by smiles, 8 locals postponed their own practice and quietly joined us for the warm ups and 24 forms. Most of our group can’t speak Chinese, but there was a peaceful fellowship and mutual acceptance that made me realise what a powerful international language tai chi can be.
Many photos were taken, and a few hugs exchanged before our new friends left to conduct their own class. For many of my group it has always been their dream to play tai chi in China, and this wonderful interacting experience was more than we expected. Our group will be sharing a lot of their personal recollections over the next few newsletters. This special workshop in China with a tour has not previously been open to our entire tai chi community; it was so beautiful I am inspired to open up next year’s China tour to all.
From China I traveled to San Diego for the America on Aging Conference, where my presentation with Professor Beverley Roberts was well received. My team of Stan Michaels, Ileina Ferrier and David Nakamaejo did wonderful preparatory work and our booth looked outstanding. Thanks also to Professors Rhayun Song and Sukhee Ahn, Linda Scott who came with some of her pupils to join us in a tai chi demonstration and Robin Malby, who worked with the team in the booth. I loved the beautiful backdrop which was designed for the conference, and it will be on prominent display at the June One Week workshop. Next month we will have a full report from the team.
It is very appropriate that this month we feature an article and Sydney One Week Workshop talk by Board member and Dean of Babson College Faculty Carolyn Hotchkiss. Workplace wellness is becoming a very prominent issue in the United States, and whilst my conference presentation was on Falls Prevention, many delegates told me they could see the multiple possibilities for tai chi within their own workplaces.
I was very excited to see the First Lady playing tai chi with a group of young people in China. Mrs Obama is keen to promote health and exercise, and her endorsement of tai chi is a great acknowledgement of the empowerment tai chi can provide. Please send your comments in support of this to the White House.
In this Newsletter:
• Carolyn Hotchkiss discusses workplace wellness and tai chi
• Richard Askwith writes home from China
• Colin Hughes invites you to join the LinkedIn instructor forum
• Buck Barnes shares his travel stories
• Sandi Wicher continues the story of her bilateral knee replacement
• Zoe Arthy thanks Dr Lam and the Scholarship Committee
• Dr Bob McBrien dispenses his regular dose of humor
This Month’s Special
Travel broadens the mind, and Tai Chi in Flight keeps the body mobile!
This month you can purchase Tai Chi In Flight and receive a 35% discount.
Click here to place your order. Please use coupon code TCF0414.
Upcoming Workshops by Dr Paul Lam
Oct 09-10 Tai Chi for Energy Instructor Training
Jekyll Island, GA, United States
Oct 11-12 Tai Chi for Energy Part 2
Jekyll Island, GA, United States
Many other workshops conducted by my authorised master trainers are listed on the Workshop Calendar.
Yours in Tai Chi,
Paul Lam, MD
http://www.taichiforhealthinstitute.org/
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#Tai Chi and Workplace Wellness
Carolyn Hotchkiss, Instructor, Babson Park, MA
Dr Lam’s Tai Chi for Health programs have reached millions of people since their inception, yet as instructors and trainers, we all know that many more people could benefit from adding tai chi to their lives. Recent developments in health care in the United States have highlighted an opportunity for us to reach new audiences, some of whom will become as enthusiastic as we are about the benefits of tai chi in everyday life.
I teach tai chi in my employer’s workplace wellness program. My class attendance is growing, and if I didn’t actually have my full-time job, I could teach several more classes each week at work. I’m part of a much larger trend for employers to create workplace wellness programs. There’s a lot of room in these programs for tai chi classes, and a lot of willingness for employers to incorporate tai chi and sometimes even fund the classes.
A recent Rand Institute study for the U.S. Department of Labor indicates that about half of all US employers have some sort of workplace wellness program, with most of those programs measuring a set of health indicators, many offering exercise classes, many offering lifestyle interventions (smoking cessation, for example), and some offering disease management. The evidence isn’t yet clear on the financial effectiveness of all of these programs, but health care reform in the U.S. gives employers incentives to create and expand workplace wellness programs. That’s where we come in!
What do Dr Lam’s Tai Chi for Health programs offer to workplace wellness? A lot! We are gentle, so students can take a class at work in ordinary work clothes, without having to shower and change (Note: It’s hard to do tai chi in pencil skirts or stiletto heels, and tightly tied ties definitely block the flow of Qi). We are accessible to all: my classes have included marathon runners and people who can’t walk up a flight of stairs. As we know, Dr Lam’s programs are safety focused and highly adaptable for individual needs. We are certified, with standard modes of instruction and regular retraining of instructors. This is important to corporate risk managers and most tai chi organizations don’t have this feature. We address issues that matter to employers: We have evidence to support the ability of tai chi to reduce falls and address chronic health conditions that affect employees, such as arthritis and diabetes. We address multiple dimensions of wellness, including the physical, emotional, occupational, and social.
So how should TCH instructors get access to workplaces to offer Tai Chi for Health classes? Start by using your connections—you may be working and likely have friends and relatives who are working. Ask them for help in identifying the person who is in charge of workplace wellness (often Human Resources or Employee Benefits). Prepare your pitch: what are the issues that would be most interesting to employers? For my workplace, it was accessibility, evidence (from the TCHI web site, of course), and instructor certification. Think about the form you want to offer: Tai Chi for Arthritis might not have an appealing name for employees, even though it’s a great entry form. Tai Chi for Beginners, Tai Chi for Energy, or even TCA taught as a generic Tai Chi for Health might bring more people to your class.
Tai Chi for Health Institute has work to do to support the growth of Tai Chi in workplace wellness programs. We need more research on the effects of tai chi on absenteeism (there’s one small pilot study that suggests a positive result), on Repetitive Stress Injuries, and perhaps on productivity. As more of us start classes in workplace wellness programs, we’ll generate more research, which will start the same virtuous circle of classes and research that we’ve been able to create for TCH and chronic diseases. We’re just at the beginning of an exciting new area of growth for Tai Chi for Health, and I hope you’ll have as much fun with it as I have.
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Here begins our regular “China” feature where Dr Lam and his China Tour family share their experiences. Richard Askwith wrote a series of letters to his family back home in the USA about the workshop and tour.
#The Other Side (of the World)
Richard Askwith, Instructor, Michigan
Greetings family and friends:
Salutations from China, where I've been long enough to eliminate jet lag. I'm in a city called Zhuhai, which is on the coast of China, next (a 90 minute boat ride) to Hong Kong. This is a tropical area where there are many exotic and beautiful trees and bushes but it's not really a western tourist destination, although we're staying in a sports resort, of all things, which is certainly trying to make itself available to tourists. The place has a golf driving range, tennis courts, a basketball court, many ping pong tables, billiards, a swimming pool, a martial arts/yoga/fencing building and even a bowling alley, plus maybe three restaurants.
It’s a little past its prime and somewhat old fashioned, but very acceptable to me. I have a private room that clearly is actually an apartment complete with 2 bedrooms, dining room, lounge area, and kitchen. I'm here with 20 other participants to receive instruction from tai chi expert and western trained doctor Paul Lam, from Australia, who is very well regarded, aka famous, in the tai chi community. We're going to be training with Dr Lam for a week, then go touring for another week. While on tour we'll do an hour of tai chi every morning and then off to see the sights. This will be on the southeast coast of China, across from Taiwan, as well as in some mountains known for where a lot of tea originates.
Here in Zhuhai it's quite interesting to walk the streets outside of the resort. Because it's not a western tourist area there are virtually no signs in English and as far as I can tell most people don't speak English. Yesterday I found myself in a bakery pointing out some rolls that looked delicious and of course the clerk rang up the cash register which said 15 RMB, a/k/a 15 Chinese Yuan, which is the Chinese currency. So I fished out two bills, one with "10" on it and the other with "5" on it. The cashier looked quite startled and immediately handed back the five, obviously explaining in Chinese that the five was definitely not at all sufficient. It turned out that the five was five alright, but five jiao, not five yuan. A jiao relates to a yuan as a U.S. Dime relates to a dollar. In other words I was attempting to pay something that cost $15 by handing over $10 and 5 cents. The whole thing fell quite short of outburst but people nevertheless were clearly and politely amused by my confusion.
It reminded me of how courageous the Korean refugees in the Sault are to come here to the U.S. knowing no English and a written language that is just as meaningless as Chinese is to us. Therefore I'm less critical to the otherwise amusing signs which are posted in English, such as the one on my building next to the Elevator which reads "When fire happens do not use the lift".
The smog is very much alive here in Zhuhai. The sky today looked very much like a dark sky threatening rain but in fact the darkness was smog. It stings your eyes a bit and makes one reluctant to take a deep breath.
The internet is spotty, to say the least. Most of the time I can't get internet service except at a particular cafe. That was surprising to me. Although nearly everyone seems to have a phone, I rarely see an ipad or mini. I believe most computers are physically plugged in.
Dr Lam is Chinese but got out during the cultural revolution and has trained many persons in tai chi and created a very extensive tai chi organization in the U.S., the U.K., Singapore and of course Australia. Because he can't be in all those places at once he has various persons called Master Trainers and Senior Trainers who carry on classes and workshops under his auspices. This particular week was originally intended, I think, as intensive training for those trainers but somehow others such as myself were invited as well or permitted to attend. Therefore the participants are quite good at doing tai chi, some of them amazingly good. At any rate the level of training is very high and so I feel this is a rare and welcome opportunity for me. It is extremely unlikely that I will ever have a similar opportunity.
My apartment is stocked with pop and beer, so maybe I'll have a beer and go to bed.
Next month; never lose your business card, you may never find your hotel again!
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#LinkedIn Instructor Discussion Group
Colin Hughes, Senior Trainer, Manchester
Although not everyone’s cup of tea, social media websites are an important means of global communication for millions of people. LinkedIn has become one of the most popular for building and engaging professional networks. A particularly useful feature of LinkedIn is the ‘Discussion Group’ facility. This supports multiple online discussions between professionals on topics of mutual interest, and offers great potential for sharing best practice and discussing issues ‘of the moment’. Colin has set up a special LinkedIn Discussion Group open to all TCHI instructors in the hope of establishing a virtual global community to help instructors everywhere get to know each other and share experiences and ideas, and to support each other in dealing with challenges.
No need to feel isolated from other instructors, the LinkedIn Discussion Group is a great way to stay in touch between workshops and updates. It’s easy to do. If you’re not already a member, simply register on your home country’s local LinkedIn homepage, then look for the ‘Interests’ tab at the top of the page. Click on ‘Interests’ and you get a drop down menu, click on ‘Groups’ then use the search facility to search for TCHI Instructors. Click on the TCHI icon and request to join. Colin will authorise group membership ASAP and then you can join in on established discussions and start new ones. Discussion topics already include: how best to prepare for updates and workshops, teaching mixed ability classes, recommended reading, recertification and reflective practice.
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#Tai Chi Out of a Suitcase
Buck Barnes Instructor, Buford, GA, USA
Whenever I pack my suitcase, I know that I am about to experience tai chi somewhere new and beautiful and that my wife Pat and I will have opportunities to offer others a taste of tai chi.
While visiting a farm above the Arctic Circle in Finland, Pat and a friend did tai chi in the snow while a herd of reindeer looked on. Later on that same trip we did tai chi together on a frozen lake, an experience unavailable to us in the warm winter climate in our southern part of the United States. We practiced tai chi again on the deck of a coastal freighter while sailing the spectacular Norwegian fjords.
In Costa Rica’s rain forest another traveller in our group expressed interest in tai chi as she watched us connect with nature through movement. Our invitation for her to join us began a tradition which we follow still.
Even in the freezing temperatures and blustering winds of the rugged Icelandic coast, others joined us in movement. As experienced travellers they have an adventurous spirit and are willing to try something new. All they needed was an invitation.
The photo shows Pat leading other travellers, most who had never done tai chi before, on a park patio overlooking the beautiful Bay of Naples in southern Italy. After doing tai chi on the sun deck of our tour boat on the scenic Adriatic coast, an observer told me how graceful tai chi looks. Of course I invited her to join me and she did. Soon others began participating.
Closer to home, under the Spanish moss-draped stately old oak trees, other visitors to Cumberland Island National Seashore practiced with us each morning while wild horses grazed nearby. It was an unforgettable 50th wedding anniversary.
On more than one trip, after experiencing tai chi with us, traveling companions asked if we were going to do tai chi again the next morning. How could we say no?
Tai chi travels well. The next time you pack your suitcase, take tai chi with you. Invite others to join in. You may be surprised, as we were, at the willingness of people to experience tai chi for the first time. All they need is your invitation.
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#My New Knees Part Four – Back in the Saddle and Pain Free!
Sandi Wicher, Master Trainer, Walla Walla, Washington
During my recuperation I was very concerned about my pain meds. I needed to get off. I was finally able to cut down to taking them only at night, and then cut them out altogether. Being able to sleep once again on my stomach made all the difference in the world to me.
As for a weight gain of 15 pounds over the last painful year, I was determined to change my eating and be more conscious of what I was consuming. I read an elimination diet book and decided some of the congestion and painful body symptoms I was having could be related to my eating. So I cut out fat, sugar, caffeine, gluten, milk and cheese, as well as wine and other alcohol. I was eating veggies, fruit, nuts and protein and feeling really good.
I had thought about hiring a personal trainer to help program my exercise, so I followed through and hired Debra Shampine of Dynamic Fitness Systems for twice-a-week sessions. She watches my knees with caution always asking for feedback. She has set up a wonderful, ever-changing, fun program for me and is always aware of my correct posture and ability. She is encouraging and makes my workouts as difficult as I am able and like to do, with safety for my knees and body a number-one priority. I thoroughly enjoy our time together each session.
I knew this was not going to be an overnight fix, but with time and dedication I would start to see results. After six weeks or so I began to see changes in how my clothes were fitting. I also noticed my strength to put the saddle on my horse was getting better. I was seeing results from the good eating plan and exercise I was doing and began to lose weight and inches.
I also decided to schedule weekly appointments for acupuncture with Mihn Vu at the Catherine Street Clinic. The appointments are another expense I am lucky my insurance would cover, considered as recovery. My left knee healed faster than my right knee, where I still had some numbness and swelling. Mihn inserts needles to bring the nerve feeling back and reduce the swelling and also to reduce scarring. It takes time and is not totally painless, but it is working.
Now after 10 months since surgery, I am riding my horses, pain free. I am playing golf weekly, pain free. I have lost 12 pounds, fitting into clothes that had not fit. And I am getting back my strength. I am feeling energetic and healthy.
My knees feel different because they are. They make a different clicking sound they did not make before, but I do not have the constant pain I once had with my old knees. The doctor said the sound would go away in time. (Go away or maybe I would not notice it any more, I’m not sure.)
Would I do the surgery over again? Yes! Both knees at once, too. For me bilateral replacement was the right decision. Candidates need to consult with their surgeons and make a personal decision on whether to replace one knee at a time. It was not as easy as I had expected, and I have learned a lot over these past 10 months. I am happy being back to my everyday life activities and pain and drug free. It feels wonderful to keep up with my three grandchildren and have fun with them again.
There are some things I still can’t do or need help doing, however. Kneeling is awkward and feels funny. I’ll see if that changes over time. I prefer to keep moving rather than just standing, it feels better. I have never been a good sitter for long periods of time; so long rides to Portland or Seattle feel better by using a small stool in the car to keep my legs extended rather than long periods of time sitting with knees bent. Time will tell.
I do know that “someone moved my cheese” and life is different as we change and age. I will make adjustments and go with the flow. Every day is a new day.
And I will take care of and appreciate my new knees.
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#With Thanks to Dr Lam and the Scholarship Committee
Zoe Arthy, Instructor, Queensland, Australia
I wish to thank you most sincerely for giving me the scholarship for the 2014 Tai chi workshop in Sydney.
I loved every single minute of the workshop, and endeavoured to participate in as many activities as I was able to.
I was in Pat and Dianne’s 73 in depth class, and I learnt so much from both of them. It was quite an experience to be in such a class (in a very good way). As I monitored the different teaching styles, I watched how different people respond to their teaching styles. With this still stuck firmly in my head, I intend on trying and use them in my own teaching style.
My next plans for my teaching are:
1. Continue assisting in teaching in my mums’ classes (assistant teacher)
2. Continue teaching my small group of students.
3. Endeavour to continue improving my tai chi, by learning as much as I can.
4. Also do my best to attend the Depth of TCA workshop in Adelaide in August, so I can improve my Tai chi even more.
I am planning on saving up for the 2015 USA workshop, so I would be able to attend the workshop and look at other peoples different styles of teaching, and meet more people who enjoy the same passion.
Again thank you so much for giving me this scholarship, I intend to continue improving my tai chi as much as I can, so I can motivate others more to do the same.
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#Humor, Laughter and Radiant Health
by Dr Bob McBrien, Master Trainer, Salisbury, Maryland
As a pensioner I am able to enjoy spending an hour in a Starbucks having a coffee and visiting with other customers. Over morning coffee another pensioner told me he didn’t feel very comfortable telling a joke. He knew about my monthly humor essays, so he asked me (the “expert”) how to successfully tell a joke. My response was based on one of USA television’s top comedians answer to that question. He said, “I have people try to tell me a joke all the time and most aren’t funny. I do laugh when I hear a good story.” I advised my coffee partner to skip memorizing a joke and tell a story. The story below is crafted from two jokes.
The other retiree offered this story.
Be sure to start your day with a good laugh.
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Do visit TCHC USA and 'like' it!
====================
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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Click on the title above to read the articles, this link to read all previous newsletters and here to subscribe
#Hello Everyone,
Recently I conducted my Zhuhai workshop and then I toured China with the same group of participants. I expected my personal highlight to be playing tai chi in the spectacular Wuyi mountain range, overlooking the 9 Twist Stream. Indeed it was a sublime experience. Almost as exciting was the next day when our group went outdoors for our morning practice to a busy Guangzhou street, complete with construction noise, handcarts and bikes cutting through our area, and curious pedestrians. We were delighted when, prompted by smiles, 8 locals postponed their own practice and quietly joined us for the warm ups and 24 forms. Most of our group can’t speak Chinese, but there was a peaceful fellowship and mutual acceptance that made me realise what a powerful international language tai chi can be.
Many photos were taken, and a few hugs exchanged before our new friends left to conduct their own class. For many of my group it has always been their dream to play tai chi in China, and this wonderful interacting experience was more than we expected. Our group will be sharing a lot of their personal recollections over the next few newsletters. This special workshop in China with a tour has not previously been open to our entire tai chi community; it was so beautiful I am inspired to open up next year’s China tour to all.
From China I traveled to San Diego for the America on Aging Conference, where my presentation with Professor Beverley Roberts was well received. My team of Stan Michaels, Ileina Ferrier and David Nakamaejo did wonderful preparatory work and our booth looked outstanding. Thanks also to Professors Rhayun Song and Sukhee Ahn, Linda Scott who came with some of her pupils to join us in a tai chi demonstration and Robin Malby, who worked with the team in the booth. I loved the beautiful backdrop which was designed for the conference, and it will be on prominent display at the June One Week workshop. Next month we will have a full report from the team.
It is very appropriate that this month we feature an article and Sydney One Week Workshop talk by Board member and Dean of Babson College Faculty Carolyn Hotchkiss. Workplace wellness is becoming a very prominent issue in the United States, and whilst my conference presentation was on Falls Prevention, many delegates told me they could see the multiple possibilities for tai chi within their own workplaces. I was very excited to see the First Lady playing tai chi with a group of young people in China. Mrs Obama is keen to promote health and exercise, and her endorsement of tai chi is a great acknowledgement of the empowerment tai chi can provide. Please send your comments in support of this to the White House.
In this Newsletter:• Carolyn Hotchkiss discusses workplace wellness and tai chi
• Richard Askwith writes home from China
• Colin Hughes invites you to join the LinkedIn instructor forum
• Buck Barnes shares his travel stories
• Sandi Wicher continues the story of her bilateral knee replacement
• Zoe Arthy thanks Dr Lam and the Scholarship Committee
• Dr Bob McBrien dispenses his regular dose of humor
This Month’s Special
Travel broadens the mind, and Tai Chi in Flight keeps the body mobile!
This month you can purchase Tai Chi In Flight and receive a 35% discount.
Click here to place your order. Please use coupon code TCF0414.
Upcoming Workshops by Dr Paul Lam
May 10-11 Exploring the Depth of Tai Chi for Arthritis
Singapore
Jun 07-08 Tai Chi for Energy Part 2
St. Louis, MO, United States
Jun 09-14 One Week Tai Chi Workshop
St. Louis, MO, United States
Jun 21-22 Tai Chi for Diabetes Workshop
Anchorage, AK, United States
Jul 03-04, Exploring the Depth of Tai Chi for Arthritis
Jun 21-22 Tai Chi for Diabetes Workshop
Anchorage, AK, United States
Jul 03-04, Exploring the Depth of Tai Chi for Arthritis
Sydney, NSW, Australia
Jul 05-06, Tai Chi for Diabetes Instructor Training
Sydney, NSW, Australia
Sydney, NSW, Australia
Sydney, NSW, Australia
Sydney, NSW, Australia
Jul 06-06 Tai Chi for Arthritis Multiple Update
Sydney, NSW, Australia
Pukekohe, New Zealand
Pukekohe, New Zealand
Townsville, QLD, Australia
Townsville, QLD, Australia
Aug 16-17 Exploring the Depth of Tai Chi for Arthritis
Torrensville, SA, Australia
Sep 10-11 Exploring the Depth of Tai Chi for Arthritis
Shelburne, VT, United States
Sep 13-14 Tai Chi for Energy Instructor Training
East Longmeadow, MA, United States
Sep 18-19 Exploring the Depth of Tai Chi for Arthritis
Chicago, IL, United States
Sep 20-21 Tai Chi for Energy Instructor Training
Chicago, IL, United States
Sep 27-28, Exploring the Depth of Tai Chi for Arthritis
Aug 16-17 Exploring the Depth of Tai Chi for Arthritis
Torrensville, SA, Australia
Sep 10-11 Exploring the Depth of Tai Chi for Arthritis
Shelburne, VT, United States
Sep 13-14 Tai Chi for Energy Instructor Training
East Longmeadow, MA, United States
Sep 18-19 Exploring the Depth of Tai Chi for Arthritis
Chicago, IL, United States
Sep 20-21 Tai Chi for Energy Instructor Training
Chicago, IL, United States
Sep 27-28, Exploring the Depth of Tai Chi for Arthritis
Asheville, NC, United States
Oct 09-10 Tai Chi for Energy Instructor Training
Jekyll Island, GA, United States
Oct 11-12 Tai Chi for Energy Part 2
Jekyll Island, GA, United States
Many other workshops conducted by my authorised master trainers are listed on the Workshop Calendar.
Yours in Tai Chi,
Paul Lam, MD
http://www.taichiforhealthinstitute.org/
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Carolyn Hotchkiss, Instructor, Babson Park, MA
Dr Lam’s Tai Chi for Health programs have reached millions of people since their inception, yet as instructors and trainers, we all know that many more people could benefit from adding tai chi to their lives. Recent developments in health care in the United States have highlighted an opportunity for us to reach new audiences, some of whom will become as enthusiastic as we are about the benefits of tai chi in everyday life.I teach tai chi in my employer’s workplace wellness program. My class attendance is growing, and if I didn’t actually have my full-time job, I could teach several more classes each week at work. I’m part of a much larger trend for employers to create workplace wellness programs. There’s a lot of room in these programs for tai chi classes, and a lot of willingness for employers to incorporate tai chi and sometimes even fund the classes.
A recent Rand Institute study for the U.S. Department of Labor indicates that about half of all US employers have some sort of workplace wellness program, with most of those programs measuring a set of health indicators, many offering exercise classes, many offering lifestyle interventions (smoking cessation, for example), and some offering disease management. The evidence isn’t yet clear on the financial effectiveness of all of these programs, but health care reform in the U.S. gives employers incentives to create and expand workplace wellness programs. That’s where we come in!
What do Dr Lam’s Tai Chi for Health programs offer to workplace wellness? A lot! We are gentle, so students can take a class at work in ordinary work clothes, without having to shower and change (Note: It’s hard to do tai chi in pencil skirts or stiletto heels, and tightly tied ties definitely block the flow of Qi). We are accessible to all: my classes have included marathon runners and people who can’t walk up a flight of stairs. As we know, Dr Lam’s programs are safety focused and highly adaptable for individual needs. We are certified, with standard modes of instruction and regular retraining of instructors. This is important to corporate risk managers and most tai chi organizations don’t have this feature. We address issues that matter to employers: We have evidence to support the ability of tai chi to reduce falls and address chronic health conditions that affect employees, such as arthritis and diabetes. We address multiple dimensions of wellness, including the physical, emotional, occupational, and social.
So how should TCH instructors get access to workplaces to offer Tai Chi for Health classes? Start by using your connections—you may be working and likely have friends and relatives who are working. Ask them for help in identifying the person who is in charge of workplace wellness (often Human Resources or Employee Benefits). Prepare your pitch: what are the issues that would be most interesting to employers? For my workplace, it was accessibility, evidence (from the TCHI web site, of course), and instructor certification. Think about the form you want to offer: Tai Chi for Arthritis might not have an appealing name for employees, even though it’s a great entry form. Tai Chi for Beginners, Tai Chi for Energy, or even TCA taught as a generic Tai Chi for Health might bring more people to your class.
Tai Chi for Health Institute has work to do to support the growth of Tai Chi in workplace wellness programs. We need more research on the effects of tai chi on absenteeism (there’s one small pilot study that suggests a positive result), on Repetitive Stress Injuries, and perhaps on productivity. As more of us start classes in workplace wellness programs, we’ll generate more research, which will start the same virtuous circle of classes and research that we’ve been able to create for TCH and chronic diseases. We’re just at the beginning of an exciting new area of growth for Tai Chi for Health, and I hope you’ll have as much fun with it as I have.
back to top
#The Other Side (of the World)
Richard Askwith, Instructor, Michigan
Greetings family and friends:Salutations from China, where I've been long enough to eliminate jet lag. I'm in a city called Zhuhai, which is on the coast of China, next (a 90 minute boat ride) to Hong Kong. This is a tropical area where there are many exotic and beautiful trees and bushes but it's not really a western tourist destination, although we're staying in a sports resort, of all things, which is certainly trying to make itself available to tourists. The place has a golf driving range, tennis courts, a basketball court, many ping pong tables, billiards, a swimming pool, a martial arts/yoga/fencing building and even a bowling alley, plus maybe three restaurants.
It’s a little past its prime and somewhat old fashioned, but very acceptable to me. I have a private room that clearly is actually an apartment complete with 2 bedrooms, dining room, lounge area, and kitchen. I'm here with 20 other participants to receive instruction from tai chi expert and western trained doctor Paul Lam, from Australia, who is very well regarded, aka famous, in the tai chi community. We're going to be training with Dr Lam for a week, then go touring for another week. While on tour we'll do an hour of tai chi every morning and then off to see the sights. This will be on the southeast coast of China, across from Taiwan, as well as in some mountains known for where a lot of tea originates.
Here in Zhuhai it's quite interesting to walk the streets outside of the resort. Because it's not a western tourist area there are virtually no signs in English and as far as I can tell most people don't speak English. Yesterday I found myself in a bakery pointing out some rolls that looked delicious and of course the clerk rang up the cash register which said 15 RMB, a/k/a 15 Chinese Yuan, which is the Chinese currency. So I fished out two bills, one with "10" on it and the other with "5" on it. The cashier looked quite startled and immediately handed back the five, obviously explaining in Chinese that the five was definitely not at all sufficient. It turned out that the five was five alright, but five jiao, not five yuan. A jiao relates to a yuan as a U.S. Dime relates to a dollar. In other words I was attempting to pay something that cost $15 by handing over $10 and 5 cents. The whole thing fell quite short of outburst but people nevertheless were clearly and politely amused by my confusion.
It reminded me of how courageous the Korean refugees in the Sault are to come here to the U.S. knowing no English and a written language that is just as meaningless as Chinese is to us. Therefore I'm less critical to the otherwise amusing signs which are posted in English, such as the one on my building next to the Elevator which reads "When fire happens do not use the lift".
The smog is very much alive here in Zhuhai. The sky today looked very much like a dark sky threatening rain but in fact the darkness was smog. It stings your eyes a bit and makes one reluctant to take a deep breath.
The internet is spotty, to say the least. Most of the time I can't get internet service except at a particular cafe. That was surprising to me. Although nearly everyone seems to have a phone, I rarely see an ipad or mini. I believe most computers are physically plugged in.
Dr Lam is Chinese but got out during the cultural revolution and has trained many persons in tai chi and created a very extensive tai chi organization in the U.S., the U.K., Singapore and of course Australia. Because he can't be in all those places at once he has various persons called Master Trainers and Senior Trainers who carry on classes and workshops under his auspices. This particular week was originally intended, I think, as intensive training for those trainers but somehow others such as myself were invited as well or permitted to attend. Therefore the participants are quite good at doing tai chi, some of them amazingly good. At any rate the level of training is very high and so I feel this is a rare and welcome opportunity for me. It is extremely unlikely that I will ever have a similar opportunity.
My apartment is stocked with pop and beer, so maybe I'll have a beer and go to bed.
Next month; never lose your business card, you may never find your hotel again!
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Colin Hughes, Senior Trainer, Manchester
Although not everyone’s cup of tea, social media websites are an important means of global communication for millions of people. LinkedIn has become one of the most popular for building and engaging professional networks. A particularly useful feature of LinkedIn is the ‘Discussion Group’ facility. This supports multiple online discussions between professionals on topics of mutual interest, and offers great potential for sharing best practice and discussing issues ‘of the moment’. Colin has set up a special LinkedIn Discussion Group open to all TCHI instructors in the hope of establishing a virtual global community to help instructors everywhere get to know each other and share experiences and ideas, and to support each other in dealing with challenges. No need to feel isolated from other instructors, the LinkedIn Discussion Group is a great way to stay in touch between workshops and updates. It’s easy to do. If you’re not already a member, simply register on your home country’s local LinkedIn homepage, then look for the ‘Interests’ tab at the top of the page. Click on ‘Interests’ and you get a drop down menu, click on ‘Groups’ then use the search facility to search for TCHI Instructors. Click on the TCHI icon and request to join. Colin will authorise group membership ASAP and then you can join in on established discussions and start new ones. Discussion topics already include: how best to prepare for updates and workshops, teaching mixed ability classes, recommended reading, recertification and reflective practice.
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Buck Barnes Instructor, Buford, GA, USA
Whenever I pack my suitcase, I know that I am about to experience tai chi somewhere new and beautiful and that my wife Pat and I will have opportunities to offer others a taste of tai chi.While visiting a farm above the Arctic Circle in Finland, Pat and a friend did tai chi in the snow while a herd of reindeer looked on. Later on that same trip we did tai chi together on a frozen lake, an experience unavailable to us in the warm winter climate in our southern part of the United States. We practiced tai chi again on the deck of a coastal freighter while sailing the spectacular Norwegian fjords.
In Costa Rica’s rain forest another traveller in our group expressed interest in tai chi as she watched us connect with nature through movement. Our invitation for her to join us began a tradition which we follow still.
Even in the freezing temperatures and blustering winds of the rugged Icelandic coast, others joined us in movement. As experienced travellers they have an adventurous spirit and are willing to try something new. All they needed was an invitation.
The photo shows Pat leading other travellers, most who had never done tai chi before, on a park patio overlooking the beautiful Bay of Naples in southern Italy. After doing tai chi on the sun deck of our tour boat on the scenic Adriatic coast, an observer told me how graceful tai chi looks. Of course I invited her to join me and she did. Soon others began participating.
Closer to home, under the Spanish moss-draped stately old oak trees, other visitors to Cumberland Island National Seashore practiced with us each morning while wild horses grazed nearby. It was an unforgettable 50th wedding anniversary.
On more than one trip, after experiencing tai chi with us, traveling companions asked if we were going to do tai chi again the next morning. How could we say no?
Tai chi travels well. The next time you pack your suitcase, take tai chi with you. Invite others to join in. You may be surprised, as we were, at the willingness of people to experience tai chi for the first time. All they need is your invitation.
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Sandi Wicher, Master Trainer, Walla Walla, Washington
During my recuperation I was very concerned about my pain meds. I needed to get off. I was finally able to cut down to taking them only at night, and then cut them out altogether. Being able to sleep once again on my stomach made all the difference in the world to me.As for a weight gain of 15 pounds over the last painful year, I was determined to change my eating and be more conscious of what I was consuming. I read an elimination diet book and decided some of the congestion and painful body symptoms I was having could be related to my eating. So I cut out fat, sugar, caffeine, gluten, milk and cheese, as well as wine and other alcohol. I was eating veggies, fruit, nuts and protein and feeling really good.
I had thought about hiring a personal trainer to help program my exercise, so I followed through and hired Debra Shampine of Dynamic Fitness Systems for twice-a-week sessions. She watches my knees with caution always asking for feedback. She has set up a wonderful, ever-changing, fun program for me and is always aware of my correct posture and ability. She is encouraging and makes my workouts as difficult as I am able and like to do, with safety for my knees and body a number-one priority. I thoroughly enjoy our time together each session.
I knew this was not going to be an overnight fix, but with time and dedication I would start to see results. After six weeks or so I began to see changes in how my clothes were fitting. I also noticed my strength to put the saddle on my horse was getting better. I was seeing results from the good eating plan and exercise I was doing and began to lose weight and inches.
I also decided to schedule weekly appointments for acupuncture with Mihn Vu at the Catherine Street Clinic. The appointments are another expense I am lucky my insurance would cover, considered as recovery. My left knee healed faster than my right knee, where I still had some numbness and swelling. Mihn inserts needles to bring the nerve feeling back and reduce the swelling and also to reduce scarring. It takes time and is not totally painless, but it is working.
Now after 10 months since surgery, I am riding my horses, pain free. I am playing golf weekly, pain free. I have lost 12 pounds, fitting into clothes that had not fit. And I am getting back my strength. I am feeling energetic and healthy.
My knees feel different because they are. They make a different clicking sound they did not make before, but I do not have the constant pain I once had with my old knees. The doctor said the sound would go away in time. (Go away or maybe I would not notice it any more, I’m not sure.)
Would I do the surgery over again? Yes! Both knees at once, too. For me bilateral replacement was the right decision. Candidates need to consult with their surgeons and make a personal decision on whether to replace one knee at a time. It was not as easy as I had expected, and I have learned a lot over these past 10 months. I am happy being back to my everyday life activities and pain and drug free. It feels wonderful to keep up with my three grandchildren and have fun with them again.
There are some things I still can’t do or need help doing, however. Kneeling is awkward and feels funny. I’ll see if that changes over time. I prefer to keep moving rather than just standing, it feels better. I have never been a good sitter for long periods of time; so long rides to Portland or Seattle feel better by using a small stool in the car to keep my legs extended rather than long periods of time sitting with knees bent. Time will tell.
I do know that “someone moved my cheese” and life is different as we change and age. I will make adjustments and go with the flow. Every day is a new day.
And I will take care of and appreciate my new knees.
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Zoe Arthy, Instructor, Queensland, Australia
I wish to thank you most sincerely for giving me the scholarship for the 2014 Tai chi workshop in Sydney.I loved every single minute of the workshop, and endeavoured to participate in as many activities as I was able to.
I was in Pat and Dianne’s 73 in depth class, and I learnt so much from both of them. It was quite an experience to be in such a class (in a very good way). As I monitored the different teaching styles, I watched how different people respond to their teaching styles. With this still stuck firmly in my head, I intend on trying and use them in my own teaching style.
My next plans for my teaching are:
1. Continue assisting in teaching in my mums’ classes (assistant teacher)
2. Continue teaching my small group of students.
3. Endeavour to continue improving my tai chi, by learning as much as I can.
4. Also do my best to attend the Depth of TCA workshop in Adelaide in August, so I can improve my Tai chi even more.
I am planning on saving up for the 2015 USA workshop, so I would be able to attend the workshop and look at other peoples different styles of teaching, and meet more people who enjoy the same passion.
Again thank you so much for giving me this scholarship, I intend to continue improving my tai chi as much as I can, so I can motivate others more to do the same.
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by Dr Bob McBrien, Master Trainer, Salisbury, Maryland
As a pensioner I am able to enjoy spending an hour in a Starbucks having a coffee and visiting with other customers. Over morning coffee another pensioner told me he didn’t feel very comfortable telling a joke. He knew about my monthly humor essays, so he asked me (the “expert”) how to successfully tell a joke. My response was based on one of USA television’s top comedians answer to that question. He said, “I have people try to tell me a joke all the time and most aren’t funny. I do laugh when I hear a good story.” I advised my coffee partner to skip memorizing a joke and tell a story. The story below is crafted from two jokes.One morning I stopped for coffee and I overheard two retired State of Maryland troopers talking about their experiences patrolling the highways. One asked the other, “Did you ever stop a speeder and let them go without a ticket?” The other answered: A brand new BMW Roadster flew by me at 80 miles an hour. I gave chase; lights flashing and the driver floored it to over 90 mph, but then he pulled over to the side of the road and waited for me to pull up. I walked up to the Corvette, and the driver was an old timer, at least 70 years old, he just bought the car, and he obviously was having fun. So I looked at my watch and said, 'Sir, my shift ends in 30 minutes. Today is Friday. If you can give me a reason for speeding that I've never heard before, I'll let you go. 'The old gentleman paused then said, 'Three years ago, my wife ran off with a highway patrolman and I thought you were bringing her back.' I said 'Have a good day, Sir,'
The other retiree offered this story.
I was on patrol not far from a large high school and it was the end of the school day so I parked on the median strip by an intersection and waited. Sure enough a young fellow came speeding by. I went after the speeder and pulled him over. As I asked him for his license and car registration I said, “I have been waiting all afternoon for you to come by.” After a pause the lad looked at me with a bit of a smile and said, “Well I got here as fast as I could.” I let him go with a warning.That morning I had a good laugh with my coffee; it was a nice way to start the day.
Be sure to start your day with a good laugh.
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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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