I used to do Tai Chi some years ago, but after a couple of years of it I got all tied up in work, and let it lapse. This week Ruth and I decided to give it a go together. Ruth had never been before. It was a less formal group than the one I had previously belonged to. Instead of the strict adherence to 48 forms that I had been used to this version was only doing 18 forms, and may extend to 24 in time. It was so good to be back doing it again.

What was really interesting to me, was how quickly the bug sets in again. In a busy busy life Tai Chi gives a complete exercise system, but perhaps far more importantly a quiet place during the week. There are lots of ways to get exercise but this always seems to quiet the mind as well as moving all the muscles around. The constant surprise with Tai Chi is how such slow movements can be so tiring. At the end of the session I was absolutely exhausted, but glowing.

My fascination with Tai Chi started many years ago on a business trip to Tel Aviv. I looked out of my hotel room window and saw someone doing Tai Chi (at least I think it was Tai Chi) in the early morning light, in the waves, on the beach. Apart from the fact that they were probably just a poser, it looked incredibly cool and stressfree. It only took me five years after seeing that to muster up the courage to go along and try.

Anyway, I thought it might be worth sharing a picture of where I see myself in many years time. I will be that small man in the park, probably dressed in blue, doing Tai Chi with a bunch of equally elderly people, who will be smiling and amazingly supple.

If you haven’t tried it, seek out a class and give it a go.