Anita has ankylosing spondylitis. She is fascinated with a lot of hobbies to help nurture her health and body. Besides Taichi, she is also interested in regimen diet, meditation, gardening as well as Qi gong. Her motto is to stay positive and live passionately.
Transcript Available
Charmaine: Today, we have invited Anita as our guest. She will share a healthy and beneficial interest with us—Tai Chi. She will talk about her experiences and things to be mindful of when practising Tai Chi. Welcome, Anita, and thank you for accepting the Speak My Languages interview.
Anita: Thank you. I'm happy to be here for the interview.
Charmaine: I know you enjoy practising Tai Chi. Before we delve into that, could you please introduce yourself briefly?
Anita: My name is Anita. My family and I moved from Hong Kong to Melbourne 30 years ago. I've experienced many ups and downs in life. Twenty years ago, I had a major car accident that brought significant changes to my life: limited mobility and requiring a walking aid. I explored various natural therapies and health practices, including dietary therapy, gardening, health exercises, and Tai Chi. Engaging in these activities helps keep my body in good condition.
Charmaine: Anita, could you share with the listeners how long you have been practising Tai Chi? How did you develop an interest in it?
Anita: I have been practising Tai Chi for over 30 years. When I was living in Hong Kong, there was a group of people practising Tai Chi in the park near my home, and I joined them. After moving to Melbourne, there was a Tai Chi class at a community centre near my home, where I met many friends from Hong Kong who practised Tai Chi together. Even after moving houses, I continued to practise Tai Chi in the vicinity of my new home.
Charmaine: It sounds like you have had plenty of time and opportunities to engage with Tai Chi. Where do you usually practise Tai Chi? Do you practise alone or with friends?
Anita: I often go to the community centre and practice every weekend. I also practise in my backyard at home, and I find Tai Chi classes near my residence. Sometimes, I also arrange to practise with friends in the park.
Charmaine: From what you've said, it seems that practising Tai Chi offers flexibility and versatility. It can be done in various places, either alone or with friends. It appears that you have a great interest in Tai Chi, having practised it for over 30 years. What is it about Tai Chi that you enjoy? What keeps your passion for it going for such a long time?
Anita: Tai Chi is a versatile activity that can be practised while standing or sitting, both individually and in a group. I enjoy the slow and gentle pace of Tai Chi, which doesn't harm the body. Of course, one should never push beyond their capabilities. If I'm not feeling well on a particular day, I can still practise Tai Chi while sitting. I have arthritis, and the joints in my feet tend to be stiff. Moving them regularly helps maintain their mobility, and Tai Chi exercises can enhance the endurance of my feet. Tai Chi also has no age limitations; people of all ages can practise it.
Charmaine: It seems that practising Tai Chi offers flexibility, allowing people of all ages to engage in it regardless of location. During your Tai Chi journey, have you had the opportunity to meet new friends and participate in community activities?
Anita: Yes, especially when I first immigrated, I met many friends from Hong Kong through Tai Chi. After practising Tai Chi together; we would go for Yum Cha. Even after I moved houses, I kept in touch with them. We sometimes meet up, have meals together, and maintain our friendship. These social interactions have been of great help to us as new migrants.
Charmaine: It looks like you're very happy with the benefits of practising Tai Chi, not only for physical exercise but also for expanding your social circle and making new friends. If listeners are interested in Tai Chi and would like to learn, what advice do you have for them?
Anita: If you're interested in Tai Chi, you can check if there are Tai Chi classes at community centres near your home or search for information online. Tai Chi has different styles and forms, such as Wu’s, Chen’s, Yang’s, Sun’s, and more. You can explore and find the one that suits you best to start learning. Also, it's important not to push yourself beyond your limits and practice within your capabilities.
Charmaine: It seems that Tai Chi is a relatively relaxed exercise that can be approached in a simple manner. Thank you for your advice and insights. People can research and find information to discover which type of Tai Chi suits them for practice. Today, we thank Anita for sharing her passion for practising Tai Chi, enlightening us about its versatility and benefits for both physical and mental well-being. It's wonderful to hear how practising Tai Chi has provided opportunities to meet new friends and enrich one's social circle. Anita, is there any additional information you would like to share with the listeners?
Anita: What I want to add is when starting to practise Tai Chi, it's best to join a small group led by a teacher.
My philosophy in life is to maintain optimism and believe in the body's self-healing ability. If you have faith, your body can achieve the results you desire. Therefore, maintaining a positive outlook is crucial. Throughout one's life, no matter what challenges arise, there will always be solutions, so there's no need to worry excessively.
Charmaine: Thank you Anita for accepting the interview, and thank you to the listeners for tuning in to the program.
