Tai Chi for Me?

     One of the monthly meetings I attend is for retired teachers from my school district.  The real draw for me is the good food, of course.  I've never liked sitting through meetings for any reason unless it involves food or money, so this group works for me.  Aside from the requisite meeting and excellent lunch, there's always some form of entertainment.  Since this month's good food involved a full-blown turkey dinner, it made sense that our entertainment was provided by a personal trainer.  She turned out to be a very welcome ending to the load of carbs I'd just downed.
     When I visited China a few years ago, I viewed something that has always stuck with me.  We were walking through a park on an early Beijing morning and came upon a huge group of senior citizens doing tai chi in unison to music.

What I think makes it such an unforgettable memory is that they all looked so calm and at peace as they progresesd through their routine, each movement slow, balanced and artful.  "I want to do that," I thought, and then shelved the idea away forever.

Until last week, that is, when Su Ying, a personal trainer, pilates and tai chi instructor, came to our meeting.

     Since many of us in the turkey-guzzling group were very senior citizens, she gave us some excellent tips on how to stand from a sitting position, how to strengthen necessary muscles that don't get used correctly or enough and how to be safe while engaging in these movements.
     She introduced us to some of the basic tai chi movements, explaining how each helps to improve muscle strength and balance, and as a result helps our core.  She demonstrated a short routine, and once again I was struck by the calmness that seems to accompany this ancient practice.  She was totally in tune with her body and comfortable in her being.  Once again I thought, "I want that."  I've actually written it on my bucket list this time, and intend to look into it. 
     But first I have to figure out why my hip has been hurting more than usual.  I'm hoping it wasn't the tai chi because I really want to be part of a group like this:

I wonder if we get food afterwards.