The Dragon's Head Blog

Having been diligent about my annual mammogram for the past 35 years, I was shocked to be diagnosed with breast cancer recently. (Thankfully, it is early stage.)  What was perhaps equally surprising was the way some people tried to be encouraging by saying things like, “You’re a fighter!” “Give cancer hell!” “You will win this war.” But […]

My personal practice has become about letting go: letting go of counting how many donyus I do; letting go of the habit of doing jongs only while waiting for the toast to pop or the kettle to boil; letting go of unrealistic goals. I now have an understanding of the stillness that comes from just doing Taoist […]

Before the pandemic, my personal practice consisted of integrating the instructions and the corrections I had received from previous classes and observing the new feeling. Now, with the wise advice of our directors to let go, to trust and to be consistent, I first investigate my sensations without precise instructions. I am more an observer […]

Eighteen years ago I began Taoist Tai Chi® practice with the goal of improving my physical well being. Tai chi was recommended to me as an exercise I could attempt even though I was extremely ill with a progressive liver disease and the many associated symptoms caused by a failing liver. I had no idea that Taoist Tai […]

I am so thankful to Fung Loy Kok Institute of Taoism® every day. I had both of my hips replaced 10+ years ago and last summer I was up on the cottage roof laying down new shingles. What I have discovered over the years is that the surgeries removed the damaged and painful surfaces, but […]

I am 93 years old.  Twelve years ago, I was having a difficult time dealing with the passing of my wife.  My daughter suggested I try tai chi.  She thought the exercise, and getting out and meeting new people, would help me deal with the grief. I found the Fung Loy Institute of Taoism Regional […]

I was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2011. Shortly after, I had surgery to remove part of my lungs, which left me in a lot of pain. When I started practicing the Taoist Tai Chi® arts, a new life started for me. Now I feel wonderful!  ~Maria

Practicing Taoist Tai Chi® arts helps me treat everyone and everything in my life with respect, thoughtfulness and gratitude. Whenever I’m having a difficult time, I turn to my Taoist Tai Chi® practice. Almost immediately I start to feel reverence again towards the people around me, my home, my garden, my cooking. ~Galina

At 56, when I had been practicing the Taoist Tai Chi arts® for 6 months, I had a baseline bone density test. I’m now 66 and my doctor ordered a new test. As we age, we can expect to see a decrease in bone density. I was very pleased with my results: my bone density increased 8.1% in […]

Virtual meetings help me stay socially active, they help me break through the isolation. Even though I don’t speak, I have the opportunity to see others. Listening to their  stories and teachings helps me to feel better by offering me comfort. It brings a sense of relief and joy.

14 years ago I had 9 strokes.  I couldn’t stand, walk, talk, see or eat.  I had to start all over again. My Taoist Tai Chi®  practice has helped me to build balance and strength, to lose fear and to do all the functions of life. It has given me my life back!~ Sasha

I’ve had breast cancer twice; once before I began practicing Taoist Tai Chi® arts and once after. The first time, I had difficulty with tightness and scarring, which made it difficult to move. When my cancer came back the second time, my recovery was much quicker because practicing the Taoist Tai Chi® arts kept me supple and limber. It […]

I am a professional musician and Taoist Tai Chi® practice keeps me in shape physically. It helps me not get injured, keeps me elastic, and somehow keeps my body working even if I’m nervous. The hand movements are particularly good for my playing. This is all very important for me.  ~Oren Video Player    

I had high stress, high anxiety, lots of pain, and very poor sleep. I was a mess and my lifestyle was not healthy. Almost by chance I tried out a Taoist Tai ChiⓇ arts class. I noticed very soon after that my anxiety was more manageable and my pain started to go away so I could sleep […]

I am 89 years old. For me, Taoist Tai Chi® arts are a moving meditation that provide me everything I need to feel good. I can do this for myself!  When I practice opening the chest and extending the spine, I like to feel what is going on inside my body. The feeling is very important to […]

All generations benefit from the age-friendly activities of Fung Loy Kok Institute of Taoism. Seniors make key contributions to our community finding renewal, joy, growth & connection.  Engaging in Taoist Tai Chi® arts leads to a feeling of internal stillness balanced with an outward expansion. Irrespective of one’s age, there is a progressively deeper connection to life, […]

Liseth W. of our Costa Rica affiliate brushes knees at Manuel Antonio Beach on the Central Pacific Coast in Costa Rica. Please send images of your self practice—ideally with a local landmark or other indication of your location —along with your name, branch, location, and permission to publish to blog.usa@taoist.org. We cannot guarantee publication, but […]

My arthritis is called ankylosing spondylitis and it affects my spine. When the inflammation is happening, it’s very painful.  
 I’ve been doing Taoist Tai Chi® arts ever since I was first diagnosed, and that’s what I mostly use to manage the pain.  It keeps me moving … and if I don’t move, I seize up. My […]

When I prepare meals, I apply the principles taught in the Taoist Tai Chi® practice. I keep my posture aligned, allowing my chest to be open and my shoulders to be relaxed. This simple detail makes my back pain disappear.  ~Christine

“Wherever you are, you can find a danyu bar.” – Rich P. of Dunedin, FL, doing assisted danyus at Lobster Buoy campsite in South Thomaston, Maine Please send images of your self practice—ideally with a local landmark or other indication of your location —along with your name, branch, location, and permission to publish to blog.usa@taoist.org. We […]