Workshops and Classes taught by Caroline Demoise
Tai Chi Classes in Chapel Hill, NC
Thursdays, January 12 to March 1, 2012 Noon to 12:45pm
- Advance Physical Therapy 77 South Elliott Road, Chapel Hill, NC 27514
- Cost: 8 classes for $90. Register with Hans at (919) 932-7250
Private Lessons by Appointment
- or 919-493-7676 to register. $50 per session
Tai Chi Workshops in Chapel Hill and around the country
Tai Chi for Arthritis Instructor Training (Arthritis Foundation)
- March 24th-25th, 2012, 8:30am to 4:30pm Magnolia Glen, 5301 Creedmoor Drive, Raleigh, NC 27612 Cost: $225.
- Contact: Linda Leslie 800-365-3811, Ext.4652 lleslie@arthritis.org
Tai Chi for Arthritis Instructor Training (Arthritis Foundation)
- September 7th-8th, 2012, 8:30am to 4:30pm All Souls Cathedral,9 Swan St. Asheville, NC 28803; Cost: $225.
- Contact: Linda Leslie 800-365-3811, Ext.4652 lleslie@arthritis.org
Teaching Emphasis
Tai Chi Chu'an comes from the martial art tradition in China. It is a beautiful, peaceful, slow moving exercise that naturally invites us into a meditative state. This art form is a fitness exercise that can be practiced by people of all ages and physical conditions. All you need are flat, sturdy shoes, loose comfortable clothing and a willingness to try something new that will be helpful in integrating your mind, body and spirit.
While Tai Chi is a martial art, the aspect that I emphasize in my teaching is a cultivation of our spiritual nature through the deep meditative quality of the movement inherent in applying the underlying principles to form. I teach Sun Style which has very fluid movement and has been described as "flowing like a river." The creator of Sun Style, Sun LuTang, identified the highest goal of Tai Chi as harmonizing with the "Tao".
Tao is an eastern concept which has a complex meaning not as familiar to us in the western world. One attempt at translating its meaning would be to say that the Tao is the creative principle which underlies nature and all creation. Some would call it the headwaters of all religions. When we seek Tao, we are seeking to connect to source and to harmonize with all living things on the planet, to experience ourselves as part of a greater whole and to participate in being in unity with all manifest forms.
There are many benefits to learning and practicing Tai Chi. On the physical level, it helps to cultivate balance, promotes good heart and lung function, strengthens muscles, increases stamina, and works all the muscles, joints and tendons in the body through very gentle movements. The introductory form of Sun style is appropriate for seniors, people with arthritis and other chronic conditions as well as being an entry level to Tai Chi for healthy people of all ages. Sun 73 is one of the competition routines that contain the more difficult movements within Sun style. On the mental and emotional level, Tai Chi promotes calmness, relaxation and peace. It is my favorite stress management exercise and helped me manage a high stress job in a hospital for many years. When you make Tai Chi a part of your life, you will see and approach situations in a fresh, more relaxed way. It helps to unify mind, body and spirit.
If you are interested in learning Tai Chi view the calendar for local classes. Direct questions to Caroline Demoise at .