Note: This post was originally published elsewhere on December 19, 2024.
Before the COVID-19 pandemic hit the world, I didn’t practice tai chi outdoors during the winter. I assumed it was all well and good for those in warmer climes to practice year round, but did not think such practice was expected nor beneficial in Canada.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, when indoor classes weren’t an option, I realized I needed to maintain my practice. Since my house could not support my practice satisfactorily, I realized the only way I could practice was by going outdoors, even in winter. I was encouraged further in this resolve by discovering that Chen village, where Chen style taijiquan originated, does indeed get snow and there exists pictures of practitioners going through forms on snow-covered ground.
As I began experimenting with outdoor practice in colder weather, I also knew that I tend to run “hot” and that I warm up quickly during my practice. Through trial and error I very quickly realized I could do barehanded form with heavier duty gloves and then switch to lighter gloves for Sabre and Sword practice. On days where I simply couldn’t go outside, due to an active snowstorm for example, I could still do the barehanded forms in my house.
I now maintain my practice throughout the year and it has allowed me to progress in my taijiquan skills and knowledge immensely. There are benefits to winter practice specifically which I have found particularly helpful and would like to share my experience with. Obviously, outdoor practice in winter is one where individual discretion is necessary – there are plenty of reasons why it might, in fact, be a bad idea for others. For me, however, it has been extremely rewarding.
Space
Practicing outside in the winter allows me to run through barehanded and weapons forms without space considerations. Doing the barehanded forms in my house has certain space limitations that affect my practice and I don’t have the space to due weapons forms at all. Practicing outside year-round allows me to keep my forms well-honed.
Acclimation and Breathing
Part of Taoist philosophy in general, and traditional Chinese medicine in particular, is the idea of being in harmony with nature. Practitioners are encouraged to adapt and acclimate to the environmental conditions. Practicing outside at colder temperatures helps me to acclimate to those temperatures. Particularly helpful is allowing my breath to acclimate so that in colder temperatures my respiratory system can continue to function well.
Balance
One of the primary objectives of taijiquan practice is the cultivation of balance: physically, mentally and spiritually. Practicing outdoors in colder climes means doing the forms are surfaces ranging from muddy grass to icy and snow covered ground. The changing and often slippery surfaces are a good way to test my balance and challenge it to improve.
These are just a few of the many benefits I’ve found in maintaining my outdoor practice year-round. If you can do so safely, I encourage you to give it a try!
The Dreamers' Corner 