@Charles Chubbuck I love the tai chi ball! ☯️

@Ken Bowen Once of my favorite sayings! You hear it everywhere in China. Such a great attitude☯️

@Ann Hardy Welcome Ann!

@David Baranko Great job finishing up the challenge! You have a few options going forward depending on your specific goals. If you are interested in qi gong mainly then you have the option of going through any of our archived live sessions or Daily Qi follow alongs. All of those are about 15-30 minutes in length and provide a follow along class for qi gong. It is great for getting variety of movement and consistency of practice. If you are interested in Tai Ji then we have a similar set up for our tai ji program. You can choose any of the archived Qi & Flow classes which are 30 minute follow along lessons on the first section of the Beijing 24 tai chi form. The training is very circular so you can start just about anywhere and then work your way through the lessons as you get familiar with the material. The qi gong is easier to follow along with in the beginning while the tai ji requires a bit more of a learning curve. Hope that helps. Feel free to ask any follow up questions as needed.☯️

@Pedro Fish How awesome! I remember a few years ago at the beach walking behind a family with an elementary age kid. The kid was so engrossed in how they were walking, dragging their feet, then doing something silly with their toes, then heel toe for moment before doing something else. The kid was just having fun with the way they could move their body naturally, all discovered by walking. This wasn't even in the sand, but on the boardwalk. When the parents got their attention because they had fallen behind, they instantly bounded off to catch up. Really made me realize how much fun simply walking can be. ☯️

@Mike Minore This is something I have definitely seen in students of all ages over the years. One of the overall effects of qi gong and tai ji that they have studied in China quite extensively is how these practices have a positive effect on the bodies inflammation levels. Now if your someone that suffers from arthritis or other types of inflammatory issues it is very helpful to know what aspects of the practice might be the most beneficial so that you can modify the movements accordingly. This is also very important to know, that you can modify the movements however you need to keep the body relaxed and at ease while you are practicing. Never force a movement. Tai Ji is as much about adaption as it is anything else. It is also good to know that almost all Tai Ji is good for the joints, the modifications that need to be made are usually pretty logical and good for the practice as a whole. So the aspects of the practice that have biggest impact on inflammation levels is going to be the coordination of the breath with the movement. Whether this is a specific coordination like in Qi Gong, or just being more intentional with how we are breathing as in Tai Ji. Also, the gentle, smaller movements of the loosening qi gong also really help lubricate all the joints. The main thing to take away is modification is always a part of tai ji practice. An analogy that comes to mind is how a gardener would shape a tree or shrub. You can all adjust the shape so much at any given time, then you have allow for the process to take place before making the next adjustment. Our practice is like this as well, make modifications as you need to based upon your growing understanding of the practice. If there is anything else we can do to help let us know! I have found that things like Accupuncture and Chinese medicine work really well when used in conjunction with an ongoing qi gong or tai ji practice. It is like one supercharges the other☯️

@Laura Jeffreys I know what you mean! I cannot believe January is halfway through as well!