Recently, we were invited to bring a Tai Chi experience to the youth classes in our Spiritual Center. We agreed, and made a plan for an approach that would be appealing and meaningful to youth who would be experiencing this energy practice for the first time.
The youth instructors decided to mix the younger kids and and teens together, which proved to be a more complex challenge for us. However, the experience was enjoyable and quite encouraging.
The interest and attention was high. The willingness to participate and experience the form was strong. The learning curve was remarkably high. And the final practice result at the end of the session was surprising to everyone.
It is very evident after this brief experience that there are many possibilities for Tai Chi lessons in the world of youth and teens. And it is remarkably easy to modify instruction approaches, vocabulary, and techniques to reach this audience.
The most significant impact we had in this one lesson class, was their obvious joy and confidence in fully being in place with intention, and finding their point of their central equilibrium. What a tool for youth, who often meet situations that bring imbalance and insecurity!
We learned from this small group how important it is to speak from your own integrity and experience when approaching young kids and teens, and how much potential can be tapped if you approach them with respect and high expectations.
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This post was written by Sifu Master Lu Molberg