A Tai Chi practice

Jan. 6, 2008

Tai Chi instructor Meg McClorey embraces the theme of our fitness issue by looking forward to resuming her outdoor Tai Chi practice when the warmer weather returns...

Walking through the woods, early in the morning, my dog Gunnar drinks in all the new smells of this moment. The world and I are awakening to a new day, a great morning. We take the path to the left and come out on the beach. Gunnar runs after the gulls, who move down the beach and scream at him. As I settle into grounding and breath, Gunnar sniffs around and settles in too, burrowing into the sand.
This warm weather morning routine is fabulous. A Tai Chi practice outside by the lake on a beautiful morning is about as good as life gets.
My Tai Chi form usually takes eight to 20 minutes to perform, and I practice every day, at least once. It takes just a few feet of space and no equipment. To accomplish this, I find a quiet place, ideally outside in fresh air. Over the years, I have practiced in my bedroom, kitchen, living room, and backyard, in hotel rooms, parking lots, on the lawn at hospitals, and on the train platform at the Philadelphia Airport. I’ve also practiced in some truly spectacular places; on a cliff over the ocean, in the desert, in a mountain meadow, and overlooking
the Grand Canyon.
Sometimes all I can remember about a vacation is where I did my form.
I’ve learned to simultaneously focus my attention on the minute flow of the movements while also being aware of the complete swirl of life around me in the present moment; I can relax energetically while in motion and be mindful in the midst of activity. Sometimes I get lost in the form. So much information comes into my awareness: the chill of the wind, the noise of the waves, the warmth of the sun, the feel of the ground on my bare feet, watching the antics of the gulls surfing on the breeze.
Over 17 years, my Tai Chi practice has retrained my natural alignment, strength, coordination, and balance. Tai Chi seems effortless, but it provides moderate aerobic activity and weight bearing exercise. That means: good for my heart and bones. I use it as a moving meditation; the slower I go, the more in tune with breath I become. The slower I go, the more exercise I get.
Several years ago, I passed my half-century birthday. I’m more flexible and fit than when I started at 38. I plan to keep practicing.

Meg McClorey resides in Boyne
City; she operates Body & Motion,
220 Bay Street in Petoskey, MI, teaches Tai Chi, The Alexander Technique, and makes pottery, and can be reached at 231-582-7689.