Learn a sequence of six Tai Chi movements for the cultivation of well-being and healing benefits in the lush green serene environment of the Keyaki Garden at the Wakamatsu Farm. Achieve better balance, flexibility and relaxation through the practice of such meditated movements promoted by organizations like the Arthritis Foundation and National Institutes of Health. The three-week course includes learning other warm-up qigong exercises and instructional handouts. Participants are encouraged to sign up for the whole course for satisfactory experiential learning. Instructor, Dr. Tze-yue G. Hu, is an independent Asian Studies educator and anime author. She teaches therapeutic Tai Chi and Qigong as well to select communities. She has a Master of Science in Tai Chi with the University of East-West Medicine, Sunnyvale, CA. Visit her website at https://www.calmhappytaiji.com/ Ages 8+ (w/adult supervision) welcome. Contact ARC to sign up and for meeting location (Placerville area).  Cost: $30/members, $45/non-members. Drop-in participation dependent on space available.

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I have been a volunteer-instructor at the American River Conservancy, Wakamatsu Farm for several years now (see https://www.arconservancy.org/wakamatsu/ ). Participants in my programs often asked why I chose to offer my time and services with the organization. The main reason is I used to live, study and work in Japan and it is natural for me to keep the Japanese connection and my affinity with the Japanese culture. In addition, the organization is open to ideas and long-time key staff members work enthusiastically with volunteers desiring to make contributions in their own unique and convenient ways. See https://www.arconservancy.org/join-us/ for further information.

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Last year, I was happy to help organize the Manga/Anime Art contest in commemoration of the 150 years anniversary of the Wakamatsu Farm and during the 4-day festival I hosted an anime-manga booth as well which was a most interesting community experience. See https://www.arconservancy.org/wakafest150/#1539198769079-c28e9514-2056 . Please visit my other website at https://www.animafilmperformance.com/ about my research work on animation, anime and culture.

               

My seasonal Tai Chi-Qigong programs are usually held at staggered months on selected dates during the weekend. During the winter, due to the cold weather, lessons had been held within the cozy Nature Center. Surprisingly, the space could hold at least a dozen of us in the main room as we practiced the chosen movements. We could be seated as well when exercising. Yes! Tai Chi-Qigong can be practiced while seated allowing flexibility and to those who have mobility issues.

           

During the spring, summer and fall seasons, prior to the COVID 19 pandemic occurrence, lessons were normally held at the relatively new picnic platform beyond the green gate where the wooden structures have the distinctive Japanese-design touch. The open-air space could hold an expanding class at any time as late signed-in participants might register hours before. Often, we even had walk-in visitors who turned up curiously to attend.

           

Recently, due to the on-going pandemic and for safety reasons and in order to encourage social-distancing and exclusive participation, and allow better management of the class-size, lessons have been held at the Keyaki Garden near the historic Graner House. Also to cater to serious-minded participants looking for consecutive weekly learning at a stress-free easy-going pace, the Outdoor Tai Chi Six-Movement, Three-Week Course was promoted.

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The gist of my Tai Chi-Qigong program is to cultivate therapeutic healing within oneself through meditated moving. New-age or 21st Tai Chi is not so much about competitive kungfu or performing achievement. Rather, the goal is to choose a movement or two and then using them to mediate and draw the qi to circulate positively within the body, mind and spirit. The deconstruction and repetitive learning of each movement enables closer understanding of Tai Chi when the individual experiences the holistic flow of qi intuitively when he or she practices. From an instructor’s perspective, the joy is to hear a student telling you his or her discovery in experiencing qi as the movement is carried out. Another is the collective attainment sense of good health and spirit as the lesson finishes – everyone feel relaxed and recharged for the day.

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The peaceful age-old green environment of the Keyaki Garden is perfect for therapeutic exercises. Named after the Japanese elm tree keyaki , the tree was first planted by the pioneer Japanese colonists who arrived there 151 years ago. Perhaps the grand tree “heard” our praises and admirations during our first classes as we glanced from the other side of the garden. During the 3rd class, we ended up practicing under the blessed shelter space of the tree as we avoided the playful advancing sprinkler water outpouring in the sunshine! Sounds of the chirping birds and spraying water, warm sun-rays and colorful flowers, cool crisp morning air and breezes - plus the endearing and ensuring support of the tree’s grounds – all contributed to the successful benefits of the Tai Chi-Qigong lesson.  In the near distance, we heard dogs barking and communicating, the cows were mooing as they grazed from one place to another and the squirrels were making light noises as they scurried in the bushes. The authentic natural surrounding could not be overstated.

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We wrapped up the three-week program with sips of hot green tea and fruity snacks by the Graner House’s front porch. Surprised guest and volunteer, Greg Carlson dropped by to see ex-colleague Bunseng Hao who is also a long-time member and volunteer for ARC. Greg showed the participants his work-in-progress barn conservation work and the preserved Graner House which was opened briefly for a short tour to everyone’s delight.

           

Supporting the Wakamatsu Farm, cultivating friendship and goodwill and practicing Tai Chi-Qigong for good health and wellness.. till we meet again in the year of 2021 when spring returns.