Practicing tai chi in the heart of Goshen

Goshen — When you drive by the park in the center of Goshen on Tuesday or Thursday at suppertime, you might notice some people under the trees, their bodies moving slowly and gracefully in unison. What they are practicing is the Yang form of tai chi, in which movements flow from one to the next in a prescribed sequence. The healing, meditative, martial art, which originates from China, has been passed down from teacher to student for centuries. The movements are slowed down for a reason: to improve balance and coordination, to concentrate and calm the restless mind, and to aid the discovery of, and to direct the flow of chi, the life force. Ask any tai chi practitioner, and you will hear a variety of health benefits. From limbering up arthritic knees, relaxing back muscles, improving posture, increasing energy, opening up the joints, developing resiliency, the list goes on. The profound impact of tai chi - on the body, mind and spirit - is only beginning to be understood by the scientific community. Although lessons are very useful, the best way to really learn tai chi is by doing it: by watching those who know the sequence and understand the concepts, and copying their movements. This is the traditional way of discovering what tai chi has to offer. Passersby are encouraged to join the group, Tai Chi for Heart and Health, on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., in the park in front of the First Presbyterian Church at 33 Park Place in Goshen, or in the social hall during inclement weather. For more information, call 782-3849 or 325-7652, or e-mail taichi@sacredorchard.org.