Reconnecting with Tai Chi and Reflecting on How I Want to Spend My TimeーJune 11(Thursday)2026 R8

Today, I attended a Tai Chi class that I had been curious about for some time.

When I moved to Ehime, my former Tai Chi teacher in Shizuoka did not know any instructors in the area. So I contacted the Tai Chi Association office myself and asked for information about local classes. Today, I finally had the chance to attend one of the classes they recommended.

The class is offered through a local co-op and meets on the first, second, and third Thursdays of each month. There were only two students present today, including me. The other participant has been practicing for about twenty years and performs the 24-form Tai Chi beautifully.

Although the class lasted only 90 minutes, it was packed with valuable instruction. It helped me reconnect with movements I had not practiced for a long time.

What made me happiest was having the opportunity to practice Tai Chi fan.

The fan is not part of the grading examinations, but I have always enjoyed it. There is something refreshing and uplifting about the sharp sound it makes when it opens. I still cannot open it as gracefully as I would like, but even hearing that sound brings me a sense of joy.

The instructor suggested that I consider taking the Level 1 examination this October. He also told me about another class that focuses on examination preparation.

On my bicycle ride home, however, I found myself thinking carefully.

Do I really want to devote that much time to Tai Chi right now?

The examination-preparation class meets every week, and with travel time included, attending it could take most of an entire day. At this stage of my life, I also have swimming, fitness classes, study for the Registered Salesperson examination, daily life at Eden, and thoughts about future work opportunities.

Originally, I became interested in Tai Chi through my study of acupuncture and traditional Eastern medicine. I wanted to understand concepts such as qi and meridians. That curiosity led me to qigong and eventually to Tai Chi.

So perhaps earning ranks and certificates was never my primary goal.

Maybe it still is not.

I still have several commitments remaining in June. In July, I plan to review my schedule and see how my daily routine develops. I also want to see whether any work opportunities appear before making further commitments.

By August, I should have a clearer picture of what I truly want to do.

There is no need to rush.

Today, I picked up a Tai Chi fan again after many years and thought, “This is still enjoyable.”

That feeling may have been the most valuable thing I gained today.

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