Tag Archives: Tai Chi

The Benefits of Tai Chi for Positive Masculinity

In honour of Movember, a month dedicated to men’s health, I wanted to share some thoughts on my Tai Chi practice, and it’s an excellent practice to break the cycle of toxic masculinity. Different Types of Strength Tai Chi, like many of the internal arts, requires a considerable amount of strength–but it is a strengthContinue reading “The Benefits of Tai Chi for Positive Masculinity”

Poem: Armour

ArmourBoth protects and numbs.It protects:My heart from pain;My soul from risk;My mind from despair;My body from intimacy.It numbs:My desire for love;My highest hopes;My capacity for faith;My openness to vulnerability.Tai Chi cultivates chiBy allowing it to flow.Blockages and woundsMelt away in the flow of energy;Incompatible with the armour I wear.ArmourBoth protects and numbs.SpiritGrant me the courageContinue reading “Poem: Armour”

On Mental Health: Tips, Tricks and Advice

This post is inspired by Bell Let’s Talk Day. I acknowledge it’s problematic, as Bell’s corporate culture does not adequately support mental health, and talking about mental health one day a year does not undo stigma and marginalization the rest of the year–but I also do think the hashtag should be utilized for the fundingContinue reading “On Mental Health: Tips, Tricks and Advice”

Poem: Escaping Loneliness

I lie in bedStaring at the ceiling.I feel the darkness risingThe lonely aching emptinessCarving out my soul.I curl into a ballHope to smother the pain.My heart is poundingSqueezed by a tight fist.Tear began to well in my eyes.Heat flushes across my skin.So I riseAnd I flee.I run and I swim.I walk.I practice Tai Chi.I tryContinue reading “Poem: Escaping Loneliness”

Poem: Tai Chi In The Park

I standIn the parkBare-chested.I breatheJust breathe.Then I moveLoosen my bodySlowly but surelyUntil it is time.I do my routinesMy drillsFour variants in all.Bare-handed routinesSaber and sword routinesThe basicsRemain the same.Sweat covers me.My heart beats fast.My breath quickens.My body is pushedTo its utter limitYet meets the challengeAll the same.My mind is utterly focusedOn the momentNo room forContinue reading “Poem: Tai Chi In The Park”

Afraid to Dance

“A warrior who cannot dance? Clumsy in both war and peace he is”–Jedi Grand Master Yoda in Star Wars: Clone Wars: Cestus Deception by Steve Barnes I’ve noticed a trend among young adults in Canada, which was once a curiosity, but now is an area of growing concern. When people are encouraged to dance, thereContinue reading “Afraid to Dance”

Poem: Fleeing From Demons

As the hoursFly byTurn into daysI feel the pressure buildNeed mountingStress needing release.So I runThrough the nightSwimThrough the dayPractice Tai Chi‘Til sweat poursBody achesMind clears.Trying to outrunOutswimOut fightMy demons.It’s a fool’s gameI knowThey always catch meIn the end.But I keep strivingHoping against all reasonThat the effortWill yield resultsGreater than the sum.That I will transformInto theContinue reading “Poem: Fleeing From Demons”

Poem: Escaping Demons

I run through the nightMy feet pound the groundMy pulse beatsAnd breath quickensThe demons bite at my heels.I swim through the waterFocus on breath after breathStroke after strokeThe demons swim behind me.I move in ancient patternsAs I practice my Tai ChiSweat covers my bodyEnergy flows through meThe demons lurk just out of sight.I do myContinue reading “Poem: Escaping Demons”

Poem: Chen Tai Chi

It starts slow.I moveIn perfect control.SlowlyThe rhythm speedsAnd energy flowsSuddenly it stops.I’m just getting startedFaster and fasterI move.Sweat drips downMy naked torsoFinally readyI take up the blade.The dance begins againMore lethal this timeMore demanding.Cold steel flashesBody movesAnd I amOne with the Spirit.For a momentThe cosmic tumblers align.The moment is gone too soonBut with each danceMyContinue reading “Poem: Chen Tai Chi”