Tai Chi for Balance

2022 marks our 10th Anniversary at Chicago Tai Chi.

Over that decade, we've delivered over 6,500 Tai Chi and Qigong classes and private lessons. That's a lot of Tai Chi and Qigong to celebrate!

As part of the celebration, I caught up recently with Chicago Tai Chi Student Larry Friedman.

Larry started Tai Chi training back in January 2012, in our very first class.

And he's kept coming back. For 10 years!

Larry's Tai Chi story offers powerful motivation for anyone thinking about starting, or getting back to, Tai Chi.

Click the link for a transcript of our conversation.

https://www.chicagotaichi.org/larry-friedman-celebrating-10-years-of-chicago-tai-chi-classes/

Larry Friedman— Celebrating 10 Years of Chicago Tai Chi Classes Celebrating 10 Years of Chicago Tai ChiwithLarry Friedman 2022 marks our 10th Anniversary at Chicago Tai Chi. Over that decade, we’ve delivered over 6,500 Tai Chi and Qigong classes and priva…

In the studio today shooting Practice Videos for Chicago Tai Chi students. Our students love having access to our extensive library of Online Practice Videos.

Trying a different set-up, using our Canon DSLR as a we**am. Canon offers free software for that.

The quality is good and set-up easy. :-)

Arlene Faulk's outstanding book is now available.

A gripping memoir of struggle and triumph over debilitating disease, with Tai Chi playing a starring role.

Check it out!

Book | Arlene Faulk Walking on Pins and Needles: A Memoir of Chronic Resilience in the Face of Multiple Sclerosis by Arlene Faulk. E-book now available.

Delighted to welcome Arlene Faulk to the Chicago Tai Chi studio yesterday and receive a copy of her new book Walking on Pins and Needles.

What do I think of the book? You can read my praise on the very first page.

“In Walking on Pins and Needles, Arlene Faulk delivers a gripping memoir of her exciting professional trajectory, first interrupted, then ultimately flattened, by chronic neurological disease. Hitting a dead end with Western Medicine, she explores other healing modalities, including the ancient, low-impact movements of Tai Chi. Slowly, steadily, her health returns. A powerfully inspirational story, exquisitely written.”

The book will be released by the end of this month. I strongly recommend you read it.

Over 70 people from across the US and 4 other countries joined our free class yesterday to celebrate 2022 The Year of the Tiger.

We enjoyed a relaxing, energizing 30 minutes of Qigong.

Thanks to everyone for bringing your open minds, light hearts, and positive energy to class! 🙂

"Walk as if you are kissing the Earth with your feet."

Rest in peace, Thich Nhat Hanh

In the video below, filmed during a recent Workshop, Chris Cinnamon shares the data on the risks and consequences of falls for older adults. It's grim.

Falling is the #1 cause of injury and death from injury for adults age 65+. That's BAD NEWS.

But there's GOOD NEWS.

Chris then describes the solid science supporting Tai Chi as the #1 recommended exercises for reducing falls.

Doing our part to Keep You On Your Feet and Out of the Emergency Room.

https://youtu.be/uf8Xd2vzwLU

Healthy Aging— How to Avoid Falls with Tai Chi Chicago Tai Chi Head Instructor Chris Cinnamon describes the science supporting Tai Chi for Balance.Concerned about balance? Interested in a low-impact exerc...

Why do aging athletes love Tai Chi?

Here's what Blair McCaw says—

"I've been an athlete all my life. College football and rugby, long distance running, and skiing. It's taken a toll on my body."

"Tai Chi and Qigong have been a very positive influence for my health and life overall."

"My practices help me manage body and mind tension and...the aches and pains of growing older."

"Chris Cinnamon's teaching has inspired me to stay interested and engaged for the long haul."

To watch Blair's full testimonial, click the link below

https://youtu.be/47TsJ-S_9bU

What I like about Tai Chi and Qigong at Chicago Tai Chi— Client Testimonial Blair McCaw, a retired marketing executive shares his experience learning Tai Chi and Qigong at Chicago Tai Chi. Blair describes how Tai Chi and Qigong have ...

Join me for the new Wellness Path Micropractice Series.
https://youtu.be/T8ZrtzzomOk

In each short video, I lead you through a 5-minute Micropractice you can drop into your busy day.

Each Micropractice will help you relax your body, calm your mind, and settle your emotions.

For the first Micropractice, How to Relax the Eyes, click here
https://youtu.be/G9i-E15WUe8

Introduction— The Wellness Path Micropractice Series with Chris Cinnamon I'm Chris Cinnamon, Head Instructor at Chicago Tai Chi. In this video, I introduce my The Wellness Path Micropractice Series.I've developed this video serie...

Please join me in congratulating Chicago Tai Chi students Julianna, Sam, and Adam.

In our last week of December classes, they each completed the challenging Wu Style Long Form for the first time.

Well done!

Click the link to see what they say about why they enjoy Tai Chi.

https://wp.me/p2FRvF-3pl

A human light in this World has moved on.

Rest in Peace Archbishop Desmond Tutu.

If you have not done so, please read or listen to The Book of Joy.

It is an account of the conversations between the Dalai Lama and Archbishop Tutu during a week in 2015.

It includes wisdom like we rarely hear in these times. The words and life stories of the Dalai Lama and Desmond Tutu offer hope for the potential of the human species to evolve to a level where we make consistently positive contributions to the Universe.

https://www.amazon.com/Book-Joy-Lasting-Happiness-Changing/dp/0399185046

Condolences in Response to the Death of Archbishop Desmond Tutu

Thekchen Chöling, Dharamsala, HP, India, December 26, 2021 - Immediately on being informed that his “respected elder spiritual brother and good friend” Archbishop Desmond Tutu had passed away, His Holiness the Dalai Lama composed a letter to the Archbishop’s daughter, Rev. Mpho Tutu.

“Please accept my heartfelt condolences,” he wrote, “and convey the same to your mother and other members of your family. I pray for him.

“As you know, over the years, your father and I enjoyed an enduring friendship. I remember the many occasions we spent time together, including the week here at Dharamsala in 2015 when we were able to share our thoughts on how to increase peace and joy in the world. The friendship and the spiritual bond between us was something we cherished.

“Archbishop Desmond Tutu was entirely dedicated to serving his brothers and sisters for the greater common good. He was a true humanitarian and a committed advocate of human rights. His work for the Truth and Reconciliation Commission was an inspiration for others around the world.

“With his passing away, we have lost a great man, who lived a truly meaningful life. He was devoted to the service of others, especially those who are least fortunate. I am convinced the best tribute we can pay him and keep his spirit alive is to do as he did and constantly look to see how we too can be of help to others.”

Our holiday wish for you.

This Winter—

Stay on Your Feet and out of the Emergency Room

with our Strategies for Winter Walking Workshop.

Saturday, Dec. 4, 10 am - 1 pm CT

For more info and to register (and a $10 discount), click the link below:

https://www.chicagotaichi.org/strategies-for-winter-walking-dec-2021-workshop-fb/

Another reason to celebrate!
It's National Veterans Small Business Week!

4 Tips for Finding Happiness? Who doesn't want that!

Enjoy this wonderfully inspiring article by author, nutritionist, and healthy aging expert Dr. Rosenbloom. It's based on her interview of Gail, a wise and sparkling octogenarian.

https://chrisrosenbloom.com/2021/07/20/4-tips-for-finding-happiness-one-womans-story-to-inspire-us/

4 Tips for Finding Happiness: One Woman’s Story to Inspire Us “How do you look so good?” wrote a friend on Gail’s page. She replied, “because I’m happy.” I knew then that I needed to interview this 82-year-old acquaintance to learn more about her and…

Enjoying a perfect July morning of Tai Chi in Chicago's verdant Arrigo Park.

This was our first in-person class since July 2020!

Super fun to enjoy Tai Chi in a wonderful setting and in-person. :-)

Is baloney a Superfood? Or is the label "Superfood" baloney?

Check out what healthy aging expert Dr. Christine Rosenbloom has to say in her excellent article "What Dietitians Think of Superfoods."

https://chrisrosenbloom.com/2021/07/06/can-superfoods-lead-to-healthy-aging-learn-what-dietitians-think-of-superfoods/

Can superfoods lead to healthy aging? Learn what dietitians think of superfoods. I was thrilled when a writer from AARP reached out to me for an interview. The topic was right in my wheelhouse…healthful eating for those over 50. When we spoke by phone, my enthusiasm dipped as s…

Excellent article by Emilia Benton just published by Women's Health,

7 Tai Chi Benefits, From The Mental To The Physical

Click the link for a quick read on the benefits of Tai Chi, including improved balance.

https://www.womenshealthmag.com/fitness/a36720851/tai-chi-benefits/

Tai Chi May Be What Your Mind-Body Routine Is Missing For starters, it can help you multi-task during the day and sleep better at night.

We're excited to welcome 50+ people fro across the US to this weekend's Online Tai Chi for Knee Health Workshop.

Looking forward to a fun weekend of learning and discovery, all focused on transforming knee health and eliminating pain with the Tai Chi for Knee Health System.

Interested? 2 spots remain. Click the link in the comments for more info.

Sleep is so important for health and well-being, helping the body heal, recharge, and relax.

But for many, getting sufficient sleep is really challenging.

For excellent tips on getting a restful night's sleep, check out this article by Healthy Aging Expert Christine Rosenbloom

https://chrisrosenbloom.com/2021/06/23/cant-sleep-proven-tips-to-help-you-get-a-restful-nights-sleep/

Can’t sleep? Proven tips to help you get a restful night’s sleep. “About 50 to 70 million Americans have sleep disorders, and 1 in 3 adults do not regularly get the recommended amount of uninterrupted sleep they need to protect their health.” National Institutes …

40+ folks from around the US are joining us this weekend for our Online Tai Chi for Knee Health Workshop.

Chris Cinnamon will lead the group through his complete Tai Chi for Knee Health System, showing you how to protect your knees, eliminate knee pain, and enjoy moving again.

Currently 6 seats remaining. For more info and to register, click the link.

https://www.chicagotaichi.org/tai-chi-for-knee-health-workshop/

Head Instructor Chris Cinnamon is included as Tai Chi and Qigong Subject Matter Expert in Dr. Ron Rufo's new book—

𝗕𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗕𝗮𝗿𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗿𝘀: 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗪𝗮𝘆 𝗪𝗲 𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗣𝗵𝘆𝘀𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗠𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵 𝗼𝗳 𝗣𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗢𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗲𝗿𝘀

The book documents the increasingly intense and chronic stress of contemporary law enforcement work, the inevitable impact on mental and physical health, and the pressing need to provide comprehensive support for police officers.

He includes Chris's input on the powerful stress reduction benefits of Tai Chi and Qigong in the chapter, "Becoming Healthier in Every Way."

Ron's book is available on Amazon here

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B091J3JP93/

Helpful advice for reducing anxiety from Dr. Andrew Weil.

https://www.drweil.com/blog/health-tips/looking-for-a-sense-of-calm-7-ways-to-address-anxiety/

Looking For A Sense Of Calm? 7 Ways To Address Anxiety - DrWeil.com Anxiety will take its toll, regardless of season and situation. Certainly, the unknowns of the recent pandemic and the future in general, lends itself to

Chris Cinnamon's book, Tai Chi for Knee Health, just cracked the Amazon Top 10 Tai Chi Books list. Very exciting!

People across the US and 12 other countries have discovered how the Tai Chi for Knee Health System can transform your knee health, eliminate knee pain, and get you moving again.

If you know a friend or loved one dealing with knee pain, please share this with them.

https://www.amazon.com/Tai-Chi-Knee-Health.../dp/1734336919