The Tai Chi class today was excellent. For the first time, I clearly understood how to orient movements between stances in my space. I realise that I have been going off in different directions, depending on which orientation I’ve been following … from the back, from the side. Considering the direction we are turning to face as North, and underlining that we continue in that direction, was helpful. Watching on a screen has its limitations, and I’m thinking that a diagrammatic bird’s eye view of the directions of the stances as we move forwards and backwards could be useful. Many thanks. I am really enjoying this practice. As I’ve said before, it’s truly transformative.

Hello, today before practice I felt kind of a dread for my radiation appointment and a lot of tension and tightness in my body; after practice I am feeling much looser. I love how studying a movement closely can take my mind off of everything else, and then when I emerge back to reality, things seem more at peace. AND: this happens with a remarkeable consistency: it has become one of the most reliable tools for me to shift my mood. The best addiction one can have :) Have a good practice!

We’re excited to open a new space in our community: Posture Lab — a focused area for refining your form and deepening your understanding of movement. 🔎 What is Posture Lab? Posture Lab is a space where you can share a photo or video of your Tai Chi or Qigong practice if you’d like more intentional guidance from Sonny. Because we practice online and can’t always adjust you in person, this space helps bridge that gap. Small adjustments can often create profound changes in how the body feels and moves. It’s designed to help you: - Refine alignment - Improve structure and balance - Understand principles more deeply - Connect posture to internal concepts like Song (松, relaxation), rooting, and center ✔️ How to Use It & Maximize Your Practice To get the most out of Posture Lab: - Upload a clear photo or short video (side view, front view, or both — even better!). - You can focus on one movement or posture at a time, or share a full sequence like the Beijing 24 Form. It’s completely up to you — the goal is to support your practice and study. - Share what you’re experiencing or unsure about. After receiving guidance: - Revisit the movement slowly. - Apply one adjustment at a time. - Notice how it changes your sensation, balance, and breathing. 💡 Example You might post a short clip of your Horse Stance and say: “I feel centered, but my thighs burn quickly and my shoulders feel tight.” Feedback might explore: - Knee tracking over the toes - Pelvic position - Shoulder relaxation (Song) - Weight distribution through the feet Often, one small structural shift can reduce strain or discomfort significantly. Posture Lab is a supportive space where you can study your own practice with curiosity and thoughtful exploration. Sharing your practice supports not only your own growth but also helps others learn through observation. This is an intentional space where you can deepen your study of Tai Chi and Qigong online and build a stronger relationship with your body and the way you practice.

Any pointers on feet, direction, posture, or anything else would be very helpful.

🌿 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.