Wow in just a week Spring has made an appearance and one that I think is finally here to stay. Up here where it has been like the frozen tundra for so long, the new wave of warm weather has truly been a breath of fresh air. The best part is I am out and walking again!!
Over the winter the frigid temps and the icy, snowy sidewalks made walking outside almost impossible. With my back and hip issues, moving is very important to keep stiffness and pain at bay, so I had to find another venue.
A friend of mine who has been a wonderful and loving home for some of my canine babies, has gently prodded me into giving Tai Chi a try. Every time she would mention it, the only thing that came to mind was….it's for old people and I am not old..ha!
This year when she suggested that I give it a try knowing that I was feeling frustrated not being able to get outside, I decided, what the heck. At least it isn't something I can hurt myself at, right?
Well, it's been a journey and one that I am thoroughly enjoying. Tai Chi not only works your muscles, especially once you move beyond the beginners classes, it also works your brain in so many ways. As an ADD person who definitely has concentration issues, tai chi demands concentration. It's like nothing I have ever done before and I really enjoy it. Who knew? Certainly not me.
One of the benefits of Tai Chi is that it is helping to loosen up my frozen hip which has been the root of my back and leg pain. It thankfully has allowed me to get out walking again.
I have been taking it slow and listening to my body. This time it's not about how fast I can get the walk done, but rather listening and responding. When I feel pain, I slow down and if there is no pain I try to stretch it, but just a little bit.
Today……2 miles and zero pain…and a very special treat on my walk. A bald eagle was soaring and circling above me coming down close enough that I could see it's majestic talons. It was breathtaking! I was so mesmerized that I never thought to get my camera out until he was moving away.
So much to see out there and I hope to continue to be able to get out there every single day!
The Woolen Rabbit 
As a junior high chorus student, I sang “June Is Bustin’ Out All Over” and it always reminds me to enjoy the ephemeral quality of a beautiful spring day–which you did. It’s glorious to witness the return of the bald eagle in such an intimate way. Also, a big thanks for the tai chi description–something I’ve been wanting to try–you’ve inspired me!
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I’m so glad you’ve been able to get outside again and I’m especially glad to hear you were able to walk with any pain! I got out 3 times this week for 2.5 miles each time, some running, some walking. It’s so nice to be OUT!
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That’s fantastic news, Kim! Hopefully that will all continue for you and you can be out and enjoying the gorgeous weather!!
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that’s wonderful news!
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Finding the thing you can do to strengthen the body and enjoy is the key to enjoying exercise. I’d like to find a Tai Chi class near my home. Your world is beautiful and to see an eagle at close distance is a true gift! Enjoy your landscape and your pain free body!
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That is great to hear! And that eagle, that will keep a smile on your face all weekend!
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When I was much younger (ahem) and in a very stressful corporate career, I took Tai Chi to help with the exercise but also the stress. It was a “million miles from work” and the concentration of learning all those moves, did not allow any work issues to enter my brain. My brain used to “hurt” it was so tired after Tai Chi. I L.O.V.E.D. it!!! You remind me that I should do it again. I can certainly understand why you are enjoying it…you go girl!
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it is exhilarating to get outside again!
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