Washington County Enterprise-Leader
Tai Chi Balances Life
PRAIRIE GROVE — For most people learning Tai chi, the hardest part is the slow movements, according to Misty Vaughn, who leads a Tai chi class at 8:30 a.m. Thursdays at Prairie Grove Senior Activity and Wellness Center.
The class is free and open to all ages.
“The hardest part is its slowness,” said Vaughn, who is certified in Tai chi. “We’re such a fast paced society and go so fast in life. Once you do slow down, you start appreciating things.”
The class lasts about an hour and each week, Vaughn said she will review movements and add others to it. The movements can be done standing up, holding onto a chair for support or sitting down in a chair.
Vaughn’s class is Tai chi
for arthritis and was developed by Dr. Paul Lam. He’s had arthritis since he was 16 years old and learned Tai chi to help himself and then developed a program to help others, Vaughn said.
Tai chi consists of fluid, gentle and graceful circular movements that are slow in tempo.
“It is steady and fluid, not choppy,” Vaughn said.
She teaches it in segments but ultimately, the movements all flow into one another.
Tai chi has many benefits, Vaughn said. These include increased flexibility and muscle strength, better body posture, integration of body, mind and spirit and improving the flow of “life energy,” she added.
Tai chi is only one of many activities available at the Senior Center. For more information, call 846-2794 or drop by one week day.