Okay, so this is my other question: how best to "transition" (perhaps not the quite word) from Qi Gong to Tai Ji. I don't mean "been there done that with QG! I mean how best to transition *within* a practice session, and, bigger picture, how to work from QG alone to gaining competence in full "flowing" sets of TJ forms. So a bit of context: one thing I've hitherto felt a bit off-putting in the past about TJ training in live sessions and online has been an over-emphasis on "learning forms", especially the "need" to start learning a full set of forms (up to 35 in one class!). One of the things I've found so different and so refreshing with Rooted Alchemy is the strong emphasis on QJ, and then on "Tai Ji Basics", awareness of the centre in relation to the four directions, advancing, retreating, and so on, then practicing forms in isolation quite rigorously, and only then linking initially a handful into a flowing session. This to me makes SO MUCH MORE SENSE then leaping straight into "learning" sets of forms. And of course, all this takes time, patience and plenty practice. To-date the rewards I've got from this in terms of my physical and mental wellbeing have hugely exceeded my expectations. All that said, my difficulty at the moment is that I've developed such a respect for TJ that I almost feel a sense of nervousness when going beyond the basics, a subtly "butterflies in the gut" feeling of "okay, now it's starting to get serious!" that sometimes can interfere with my flow within and between movements. I don't mean nervousness that I haven't "learned the forms" "properly", I mean a kind of awe that unworthy me is being ushered into the court of Emperor Tai Ji. If that makes sense? I mean, if I'm not ready yet, I'm fine with continuing as I am. But I don't want my respect for the discipline to become an obstacle to practice. My gut feeling is: 1) To stick with QG-based practice and repeating TJ basics to build up core competence and core physical strength and fluency (which of course has its own benefits and positive health outcomes), while:

🌿 February Qi Gong Check-In Welcome to February’s Qi Gong Check-in . This is a supportive space to show up for your practice, build consistency, and move together as a community. Whether you joined a live session, practiced along with YouTube inside the community, or completed a self-paced course, it all counts. What matters most is that you showed up. This thread will stay pinned for daily check-ins, connection, and encouragement. ⸻ ✅ How to Check In Each Day After you finish your practice, post a short check-in using these four steps: 1️⃣ Intention What did you want to focus on or cultivate today? 2️⃣ Practice What practice did you do today? Live session, YouTube, or self-paced are all welcome. 3️⃣ After How do you feel after completing your practice? One short sentence is perfect. 4️⃣ Visual Share a photo or short video of your practice, your screen, or your setup. ⸻ ✨ Sample Check-In Intention: To slow down and reconnect with my breath Practice: Live Session 12-21-2025 After: Feeling grounded, calm, and present Photo or video attached ⸻ There’s no right or wrong way to participate here. Show up in a way that feels good to you, support others when you can, and enjoy the process. One day. One breath. One practice.

Hey Rooted Alchemy family 🌿 We’re always looking for ways to improve the quality of this community and the live sessions we share together. Today we had almost 20 people on the live call, which is really special to see. As we continue to grow, we want to make sure these sessions stay intentional, valuable, and supportive of your practice. Your honest feedback helps us do that. If you have a moment, we’d love for you to answer the quick poll below and, if you feel called, leave a comment as well. Quick check-in How satisfied are you with the live sessions so far? 💡 Optional reflection (comment below):If there’s anything you’d love to see more of or improved in future live sessions, feel free to share. For example: - Quality of streaming or audio - More time for Q and A or Chi Talk - Longer or more structured practice - More interaction or discussion - Encouraging more cameras on - Timing or pacing of the session No pressure to write anything long. Even a short note helps us continue shaping these lives in a way that serves you best. Grateful to be practicing alongside you 🙏

The supreme good is like water, which nourishes all things without trying to. It is content with the low places that people disdain. Thus, it's like the Tao. In dwelling, live close to the ground. In thinking, keep to the simple. In conflict, be fair and generous. In governing, don't try to control. In work, do what you enjoy. In family life, be completely present . When you are content to be simply yourself and don't compare or compete, everybody will respect you. "Be Water my friend" 💦

This is a moment where I wonder what came first, the knee pain or the lack of connection and strength of my feet while Im generally living my life. Taiji walking was like a lightbulb turning on for me because it totally hurt my right knee! I realized that I adapt my movements to not trigger the knee pain and that has a definite effect on the practice. I am wondering if I focus more on strengthening my feet during my everyday life if my knee might improve? (I played competitive soccer for many years so there's a lot of wear and tear on an aging body also). Anyone relate or have some experience with this?