Here’s a great visual to help you see what it is you want to feel when you’re stretching.  Always keep in mind that what you do NOT want to feel in pain.  Breathe deep and enjoy.

Which muscles are you stretching?

Here’s a link to some very detailed directions for a few key yoga poses (asanas).  When done properly these are advanced poses, and should be done with care.  This is especially true of the inversions — forward bend and down dog.

5 Yoga Poses

If you’re interested in trying a yoga class, bring a sticky mat and join us in front of Dillards – Tu, Thurs, Sat — at 8 am.

Hope we’ll see lots more pictures uploaded here (stocktonmallwalk.wordpress.com) and on FaceBook.

All 8-9 am groups will continue as normal throughout the holiday season, excepting only “black Friday” and Christmas.

9-10 am groups will be cancelled for only a few days.  Complete schedule below.

It’s that time again!

Plan to join us for food & fellowship.

Everyone contributes & everyone shares.  🙂

SEE YOU THERE.

Here are a couple of additional videos of the 42-form Tai Chi.  George practices this form regularly at the entrance to Penney’s.  Tu-Thu-Sat group is learning/practicing this form.  Of course it’s longer than the 24, and there are some new, tricky steps.  Still a wonderful floating meditation once you’ve got the transitions.  Click the links below to see the videos.

Slow motion version takes 13 minutes, twice as long as the competition version that is normally practiced.  What amazing control!

This Back View uses some new music that I like.  He uses some different names for some steps.  Don’t let the calls confuse you, it’s the same form we practice at the mall.

All are welcome.  Come Tu-Thu-Sat for step-by-step breakdown.  Then jump in with George’s group for lots of practice

Weberstown Walkers are blessed with multiple tai chi masters, teachers, leaders & practitioners.  We all have a lot to learn, and we all improve by practicing.  Because both Master Tam and George practice the 42 forms with their groups, I’m going over those forms in my group as well.  My goal is for everyone who is interested to feel comfortable practicing with any group that is doing a form they’ve learned, even when styles are not identical.  One version of the 42 is posted in the column to the right.

As all masters explain, understanding the the fighting moves that underlie the tai chi forms will help you to perform them more effectively.  Here’s a video with a very clear explanation of the difference — which may seem subtle, but is right at the heart (danien really) of the movements — between “play the guitar” and “raise hands.”  Take a look: [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hAy2PLoZZpY]

Practice is the key.  Hope to see you at the mall soon.

Here are the shots uploaded from the SICL class.

Thank you all for helping me plant a few trees :-).

The focus of yoga in inward.  You focus on taking care of yourself, rather than on doing any posture in a particular way.  Adjustments are good.  Supports are good.  Whatever it takes to make yourself comfortable.  And then, relax, take your time, and expect to feel just a little better each day.

Miracles?  Maybe.  Here is a yoga miracle.  Please DO NOT “attack” yoga in this way.  What was clearly right for this gentleman (an experienced parachute jumper) is not appropriate for most of us.  The results however?  Yes.  The point is that anyone can benefit.  Take care, relax, do it your way.