For many people sitting still is hard. Sitting still for twenty minutes or more can seem an impossibility. Add to that the challenge of simply noticing the act of breathing – no planning your work day or what you have to get at the grocery store, or what you’ll wear Friday night, or how you’ll have that hard conversation you’ve been meaning to have  and you might decide meditation is not now nor will ever be for you.

Sitting still and quiet is a revolutionary act in these times of expected multi tasking and instant responding.  Even so given the speed with which most of us move through our days – sitting down to meditate can feel like running into a brick wall.

The ancient practice of Tai Chi offers a do-able meditation form for our modern times. Rather than sitting down we stand up, we move , we breathe deeply, we  practice the movements slowly and deliberately. Rather than insisting the mind focus on one thing – the intentful practice of moving consciously clears the mind almost effortlessly. Often at the end of  Tai Chi class participants report feeling much calmer and more energized than when they arrived. There is often a light heartedness in our conversations as we exit class and a connection to ourselves and others that seems more accessible.

Tai chi forms can vary from 5 minutes to 25 minutes or more. Once learned the practitioner can decide how long to practice each day and how many times a day. Twice a day for 10 minute or more can have a revolutionary effect on the rest of your day and how you relate to those around you.