The Dragon's Head Blog: No Worries at Horseshoe Regional Intensive

On September 23, 2018, the Horseshoe branches (Burlington, Brantford, Hamilton, Oakville and Niagara), participants from other Central Region branches and our neighbours from Buffalo gathered for an afternoon intensive led by Bonnie Steinman at our area centre in St. Catharines, Ontario.

A theme of the intensive was “don’t worry”. Each of the 89 participants was encouraged to relax; do what you can; see the core of what you are doing as you practice the Taoist arts; pay attention to what the foundations feel like. It’s not about learning the 108 moves but focusing on developing the movements that will strengthen body and mind.

Bonnie led a discussion on the oral tradition of our organization and reminded us of the Eight Virtues that underpin our foundation. The importance of respect for all aspects of our organization was articulated and that the administrative and volunteer systems in which we operate are as important as the physical Taoist Tai Chi® practice. Comparison was made to a buffet where we are all encouraged to select from a rich array of choices as we journey in our discovery of the Taoist Tai Chi® arts.