Beginner Tai Ji with Kristen Dolan-Murphy

Kristen Dolan-Murphy, MS Ed, MSTOM, is an NYS licensed acupuncturist and board-certified herbalist. She has studied Chinese martial and healing arts for the past 27 years. For 15 years, she studied weekly with renowned Grandmaster Yu Cheng Hsiang until his passing in November 2010.

Beginner Tai Ji focuses on body alignment, choreography, and the background philosophy of the first and second chapters of the classical Yang-style Tai Ji form. Students will also learn daily practices within the tradition that enhance strength, balance, coordination, and overall wellness. 

According to Harvard Health Publishing, tai chi is not only an excellent meditative practice but has health benefits as well:

"Tai Ji is often described as "meditation in motion," but it might well be called "medication in motion." There is growing evidence that this mind-body practice is a martial art and has value in treating or preventing many health problems. And you can get started even if you aren't in top shape or healthy.

In this low-impact, slow-motion exercise, you go without pausing through a series of motions named for animal actions — for example, "white crane spreads its wings" — or martial arts moves, such as "box both ears." As you move, you breathe deeply and naturally, focusing your attention — as in meditation — on your bodily sensations. Tai chi differs from other types of exercise in several respects. The movements are usually circular and never forced, the muscles are relaxed rather than tensed, the joints are not fully extended or bent, and connective tissues are not stretched. Tai chi can be easily adapted for anyone, from the fittest to people confined to wheelchairs or recovering from surgery.