OutsideThey say I never looked better.Seems like you’re in a good placeSo glad to see you thriving.InsideA raging tempest.Eye of the stormA void of despairEmpty of hope.Howling painRage and griefFilling my gutsWith agonizing feeling.Only reliefIs temporary.Joy and loveFrom my cat’s anticsAnd her loving snuggles.Blessed relief of pressureFrom my own touch.Resilient determinationCentering my focusFrom taijiquan.Temporary reprieveAlwaysContinue reading “Poem: Outer and Inner Worlds”
Tag Archives: Tai Chi
My Cat & Tai Chi: An Insight Into The Internal Arts
My cat Salem is only a few short months away from turning 2. She is still young, playful and full of energy. She is very affectionate most of the time, but she also likes to play rough on occasion and has yet to realize how much her claws and teeth can do to my poorContinue reading “My Cat & Tai Chi: An Insight Into The Internal Arts”
Read, Watch, Listen: Tai Chi
Read Chen Style Taijiquan Collected Masterworks: The History of a Martial Art by Mike Chen One of my favourite texts, containing English translations of several important Chen taijiquan documents. Chen Style Taijiquan: The Source of Taiji Boxing by Davidine Siaw-Voon Sim and David Gaffney One of my favourite texts, provides a comprehensive introduction to theContinue reading “Read, Watch, Listen: 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”
Read, Watch, Listen, Act: Intuitive Eating & Joyful Movement
Note: This list will be updated periodically Read Anti-Diet: Reclaim Your Time, Money, Well-Being and Happiness Through Intuitive Eating by Christy Harrison An excellent introduction to why diets are problematic at best and harmful at worst. Outlines a feasible alternative in the form of intuitive eating. Includes some science and statistics but in an accessibleContinue reading “Read, Watch, Listen, Act: Intuitive Eating & Joyful Movement”
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”
Tai Chi and Christianity: A Personal Reflection In Honour of Asian Heritage Month
This month is Asian Heritage Month, being observed by the Canada and the United Church of Canada. This Sunday was specifically devoted to Asian Heritage, and I thought I’d share some of my reflections on this day. I will note that I am a white, cisgender, heterosexual male in Ontario, Canada coming from a middleContinue reading “Tai Chi and Christianity: A Personal Reflection In Honour of Asian Heritage Month”
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”
The Dreamers' Corner 