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The Dragon's Head Blog

Personal Stories
Saturday Virtual Practice

Saturday Virtual Practice

The Saturday Taoist Tai Chi® arts virtual sessions have been instrumental in deepening my understanding of the organization, his teachings, and my own personal practice. Through these sessions and my practice I have come to realize my training not only contributes to my physical well-being, but is relevant to everything in my daily life, allowing me to […]
How My Practice Is Helping Me Deal with Cancer

How My Practice Is Helping Me Deal with Cancer

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 […]
Finding Stillness in a time of chaos

Finding Stillness in a time of chaos

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 […]
Letting go of resistance

Letting go of resistance

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 […]
A path of balance

A path of balance

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 […]
A New Body

A New Body

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 […]
Keeping Balance at 93

Keeping Balance at 93

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 […]
Lung Cancer Awareness

Lung Cancer Awareness

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
Reverence

Reverence

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
Osteoporosis Awareness Month

Osteoporosis Awareness Month

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 […]
Staying social

Staying social

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.
Breast Cancer Awareness

Breast Cancer Awareness

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 […]
Music and Jongs

Music and Jongs

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    
Forever Young

Forever Young

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 […]
Finding Harmony 3

Finding Harmony 3

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 […]
Finding Harmony 2

Finding Harmony 2

“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 […]
Taoist Tai Chi® practice and weightlifting

Taoist Tai Chi® practice and weightlifting

I have been practicing Taoist Tai Chi® arts consistently since I turned 28. Now 22 years later and through many years of competing nationally and internationally as an Olympic-style weightlifter and powerlifter, I find that Taoist Tai Chi® practice is an integral part of my physical, mental and spiritual health. I am proud of my history as an […]
Finding Harmony

Finding Harmony

Brendan F. of Buffalo, NY, takes Taoist Tai Chi® arts to new heights at the Grand Canyon.  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 we will try our […]
Increased Energy

Increased Energy

I take prescription medication that suppresses central nervous system activity, making it hard for me to get up in the morning. In BC, the online chanting and Board of Directors discussions take place on Saturday mornings at 6:30 am. When the suspension of in-person activities happened, I was excited to have the opportunity to chant […]
Working in Harmony

Working in Harmony

“When I’m playing, everything is working in harmony. Mind, body, music. Harmony and dissonance are so important in music. Taoist Tai Chi® practice has enriched my idea of harmony and everything working together. I can feel when it’s all coming together.” ~Oren, NYC  
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