Today marks the first International Day of Taijiquan. To commemorate the occasion, I will share some of the ways my taijiquan practice has deepened over the past year. The New Frame In the past year, I have added the New Frame (xinjia) routines to my practice. The New Frame has some differences which are designedContinue reading “International Day of Taijiquan 2026”
Category Archives: Embodiment
Chen Tai Chi and Irish Dancing: St. Patrick’s Day 2026 Reflection
In Canada, we celebrate Irish Heritage Month through the month of March and today we celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with billions of others around the world. My paternal grandfather was from County Armagh in northern Ireland. I never knew him as he died before I was born but I was motivated to explore my IrishContinue reading “Chen Tai Chi and Irish Dancing: St. Patrick’s Day 2026 Reflection”
Taijiquan: A Martial Art for Women?
Today marks the annual International Women’s Day. As a taijiquan practitioner and an intersectional feminist, I thought I’d share some reasons I think taijiquan is a martial art that would benefit any woman interested in learning. Body Mechanics & Power Generation Taijiquan is a martial art that relies a lot on correct body mechanics forContinue reading “Taijiquan: A Martial Art for Women?”
Tai Chi and Chinese Culture: A Lunar New Year Reflection
Several leading taijiquan teachers have asserted that familiarizing oneself with Chinese cultural works is essential to deepening one’s taijiquan practice. Since we are starting the Year of the Fire Horse in the Chinese lunar calendar, I will take this opportunity to share ways in which I broaden my cultural literacy. Tao Te Ching/Dao De JingContinue reading “Tai Chi and Chinese Culture: A Lunar New Year Reflection”
Tai Chi And Curling: Why I Love Both
I began curling at the age of 10 and maintained my curling practice every winter through the age of 17. I played an additional half-season in my early twenties-unfortunately financial cost combined with limited time and energy have kept me off the ice since then, but I still love watching the sport. I began practicingContinue reading “Tai Chi And Curling: Why I Love Both”
Tai Chi in Winter: Tips for Practice
I have previously written on practicing tai chi in winter and why I love it. Today, I want to take a slightly different tack and share some tips for winter practice as someone who regularly practices in Canadian winters in southwestern Ontario. A few caveats are in order: You know your body best; don’t justContinue reading “Tai Chi in Winter: Tips for Practice”
Diet Culture and AI Meet Tai Chi
My social media accounts, and those of people I know, have recently seen an increase in AI-generated ads for tai chi. This is widespread enough that Yang’s Martial Arts Association recently published a blog post on the issue which you can read here. These ads come in a few forms. One pushes a 60 dayContinue reading “Diet Culture and AI Meet Tai Chi”
Goodbye 2025, Hello 2026: A New Year’s Reflection
Today is New Year’s Eve Day. As such, here are some milestones in my life from the past year. Work Anniversary In March, I marked two years as an employee of the City of Guelph. Taijiquan Anniversaries In April, I marked 21 years as a practitioner of taijiquan, and in May I marked 10 yearsContinue reading “Goodbye 2025, Hello 2026: A New Year’s Reflection”
International Day Of Persons with Disabilities 2025
Today marks the annual International Day of Persons with Disabilities. I was diagnosed with Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD aka dyspraxia) by the time I was 8. It was also noted by that time that I had severe anxiety and significant depression, including already demonstrating risk factors for suicide. In my twenties I received additional diagnosesContinue reading “International Day Of Persons with Disabilities 2025”
Clarifying Chi-Inspired by “The Power of Chi” with Morgan Freeman
Recently a documentary was released on Prime Video called The Power of Chi narrated by Morgan Freeman. The documentary heavily featured Yang style tai chi instructor Adam Mizner and featured competitive athletes from several different disciplines getting a taste of tai chi. Watching the documentary was very thought-provoking and somewhat concerning. While I understand theContinue reading “Clarifying Chi-Inspired by “The Power of Chi” with Morgan Freeman”
The Dreamers' Corner 