TAI CHI AND ME  -  by Mary Cordell

Since I've become an old lady,

My body needs lots of help

To improve my balance and relax,

So I'm taking time

For tai chi and me.

One day I turned too fast;

I fell to the floor.

With everyone's quick response,

I was back on my feet in a moment.

Doing exercise is safe

At tai chi for me!

John says, "Just do what you can."

So I don't kick or whirl when others might.

But I still benefit and have lots of fun.

So come to tai chi with me.

It's too late to save my mind,

So I'll work on my body instead.

Improving my balance, my breathing

and strength--

My goals for tai chi and me!

JUST FOR THE HEALTH OF IT   --TAI CHI

by Patricia Midland and Mary Cordell

Twice a week all year long, from six to twelve of us meet at the Nodaway County Senior Center in Maryville, Missouri, to practice Tai Chi, an ancient Oriental series of exercises designed to improve our breathing, balance and general health.  Our average age is over 65!

Our teachers are mainly self-taught, and they teach for the joy of sharing something they find useful and important in their own lives.  The Senior Center donates the space, and we pay nothing.  Meetings are very informal, and we are encouraged to ask questions or interrupt when a movement isn't clear.  The one thing all of us agree on is that practicing tai chi has improved our lives in many ways.  Clearly, the fellowship is important.  We older students get to mix as equals or students with people the ages of our own children, without the angst.  But--more to the point--none of us has had a serious fall or injury. 

Even those of us who are over eighty years of age can stand on one leg, make a 180-degree turn and move backwards as well as we do forward--we move with confidence!  We know we won't be able to stave off aging forever, but we are hopeful that we will have years of productive life left.

Tai chi is not a religion, though it has some elements of meditation, just as any pastime does.  Tai chi originated as a way to train warriors in the movements of self-defense, but the way it is practiced today is in no way related to fighting.  Millions of people all over the world practice tai chi in one form or another every day.  It helps us move our bodies in ways that enhance our energy and our balance, and we practice deep breathing.  Learning a new physical skill has been proven to be a good way to enhance mental abilities and keep our minds active. 

John Monjar, Frank Baudino, Barbara Nelsen and Janice DeFreece learned tai chi with their leader, William Waters, who has since moved away from the area.   They needed a place to continue their practice and to perfect their skills.  Tai chi had been recommended  to some of us by a chiropractor or other doctor.  Several other seniors had shown an interest.  Somehow we all came together, and the director of the Nodaway County Senior Center, Amie Firavich, offered to let us use the facility two nights a week. 

Over the last four years we have learned the 107 movements used in our form.  John has become our principle teacher.  Frank, who knows several forms, is the one we go to if we have a problem.  Barbara and Janice lend their expertise and help newcomers.  Once or twice a year we get together for an informal picnic or pizza party and bring guests. 

Everyone is welcome to join group.  As new students come, the rest of us use the opportunity to review our skills.  Frank is working on a new form that will be less taxing for those with physical problems.