13-14 Nov 2010 Edinburgh International Workshop
Looking for Balance on a birthday
Looking for Balance on a birthday
Over 200 members of the International Taoist Tai Chi Society gathered at Trinity Academy in Edinburgh on Saturday 13th November 2010 to celebrate some birthdays. The first was to mark 40 years since the establishment of the Society by its founder, Master Moy Lin-Shin, a Taoist monk who had settled in Toronto, Canada, and whose influence has now spread to help over 40,000 members in 28 countries worldwide. In a double celebration, the event also marked 20 years of the Society's activities in Scotland.
Philomena Pretsell, president of the local Edinburgh Branch of the Society, was joined by guest of honour Mr Deng Bei, Vice Consul of the Consulate General of China in Edinburgh. Together they cut the birthday cake with a tai chi sword – normally used for practice, and not really sharp enough to cut cake! Ten cakes had been made by volunteers across Scotland, each lovingly decorated with images representing their home areas.
The anniversary celebration was the evening component of a two-day International Workshop in the Taoist Tai Chi™ internal art of tai chi chuan, led by Andrew Hung, from Toronto. Andrew had the foresight to start young, and now has over 30 years experience, many as a personal student of the late Master Moy. He led the participants in a two-day exploration of 'balance' – something as relevant to students in their 20's as it is to those in their 80's, and there were some of each at the workshop. Some were looking for balance on their legs, some for balance in their lives.
Andrew emphasised how taking care over small movements can have large effects on the body, and demonstrated how, in movement, a relaxed elbow leads to a relaxed shoulder. Tai Chi is the best healthcare you can buy – it's very low-cost, and with very great benefits. When the body is strong and healthy, the mind can be calm.
Jacqui (52), a radiographer from Edinburgh now living in Carlisle, explained how keeping the 'elbows down' during the slow graceful movement can help the lymphatic system purge the body of toxins that can a lead to infections, and of mutant cells that can give rise to cancers. Relaxing the shoulders can also have more immediate physical effects, relieving pain, headache, and stress. Several of those attending spoke of their experience of pain.
Frances (65) lives in Edinburgh. Seven years ago, she started to notice a pain in her shoulder. The origins of this are lost to memory. "I've always used my right arm for lifting – I've always carried a rucksack on my right shoulder, carrying shopping, that sort of thing. And there's been quite a bit of sustained computer use at work. And playing the odd game", she admits. Looking for balance, she joined the Taoist Tai Chi Society™.
She suffered a frozen shoulder six months ago. When it froze, she saw a physiotherapist, who prescribed exercises, which helped, but Frances she found it hard to keep up the exercises. She found that tai chi held her interest better and she has increased her practice as her main recovery tool.
"It's partly the exercise, but it's partly something else. I trust the tai chi because I've met other people who have been helped by their practice, and I'm motivated because I've seen the benefits of the hard work they've put in. I find I'm more willing to persevere with the tai chi than I was with the exercises from the physio. Plus, I feel better all over".
Stories like this are not unusual within the Society. Common themes are of determination, and of people taking active personal responsibility for their own health. Young and old, everyone has a tale to tell, and the workshops give people a chance to get together and gain strength from the shared experiences. As Andrew told the group: "It is important to find balance and be comfortable in the tai chi that you do. Just keep doing it. Continuing to do it is the most important factor. Remembering the 108 moves will come with time. Have fun!"
And it is a time of great optimism. Next year promises more opportunities for celebration, and it may again be a double – it is certain that 2011 will mark the 30th Anniversary of the Society in Great Britain. There are also high hopes for an end to the Society's search for premises in Scotland, for a regional centre capable of hosting major events as well as normal weekly classes.
To see more of this special event, please visit our Photo Gallery.