My immune system is more robust. The usual seasonal colds and flu's no longer affect me, an important consideration in these Covid times.

(Peter)

 Sitting or reclining while awake is associated with lower muscle strength, risk of falls and physical function, sometimes irrespective of the amount of moderate or vigorous intensity physical activity you do. People who sit for prolonged periods are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes, higher waist circumference and obesity.

(Professor Dawn Skelton)

 Research shows that people’s ability to stand on one leg is an indicator of health and that getting better at standing on one leg can add to fitness and potentially lifespan.

(Professor Dawn Skelton)

Start of the Training Year meal 2021

 

The "feedback" I get from my body is more accurate, I discovered when I first started, how unreliable it was. I am more aware of how I use my body on a daily basis. The lessons from tai chi are becoming more integrated into my everyday life. I no longer bend awkwardly, putting strain on my lower back to pick things up from the floor or to empty the dishwasher I squat. I've discovered that my body actively enjoys squatting. I no longer pour water from the kettle with an unnatural, constricting shoulder lift, I roll the whole arm from shoulder blade to wrist to pour water into the teapot. I have rediscovered the pleasure young children get from just moving. The enjoyment of walking, especially in natural surroundings, is enhanced by a quiet sense of pleasure that comes from being aware of how my whole body is moving. When I first started at the school I didn't know I had a sacroiliac joint. Nor was I aware I had a psoas muscle, let alone where it was or how to relax and lengthen it.

 (Peter) 

  Four years ago I had this belief I was relaxed. I worked in an occupation that was permanently high up in the Top Ten most stressful jobs. Colleagues would ask "how do you stay so calm?".

I'd talk to them about the strategies I employed from C.B.T. (Cognitive Behaviour Therapy) and N.L.P. (Neurolinguistic Programming) amongst other therapies and calmly give out advice.

Looking back now, I can smile at my naivety and my ability for self deception. As soon after I started studying with Newcastle Tai Chi School I quickly became aware of how tense I really was and how little I knew about the true nature of relaxation.

(Peter)