Try Tai Chi or Shibashi Qigong
A couple weeks ago, I heard from an online Tai Chi instruction company named White Crane offering me a free subscription to on their video platform. I’ve been curious about Tai Chi and Qigong as a stress management tool. When I lived in New York, I would walk through Central Park and see groups of people of all ages practicing a slow type martial arts together that I assumed was tai chi.
Anyone can do it, which is something I really like.
I now know that Tai Chi is made up of 5 different styles. White Crane teaches what it describes as: “A rare Tai Chi form known as Shuang Yang Bai He Rou Ruan Quan (or Frost and Sun White Crane Gentle Art ). It originates from the Fujian province in south east China.” There are series of fundamental lessons on the site starting with footwork, though all exercises are also shown both standing and sitting to make sure as many people can take part as possible. Interspersed throughout the course are meditation and breathing exercises and guidance as well as an introduction to Qigong. These mindful movements are great for releasing stress and refocusing your energy without a ton of space or effort needed. Most of the effort is within. Cheesy but true.
This is what the videos themselves look like.
I’ve now been a member for two weeks, and found that I haven’t made a habit of using the site yet, but I would like that to change. I wonder if having an app might make it easier? As of now, the desktop version takes a little more effort than ideal—then again, I’m lazy! I trust that the instructor, Mark, knows his stuff. I do plan to get more in-depth with the exercises over time.
White Crane also sends out a regular newsletter feating information like this about why Tai Chi is great for older people and those of us who experience stress in a physical way.
The cost of an annual subscription to White Crane is $12.99/month or $129/year. This includes an in-depth series of video lessons that build upon each other.
