When Richard Holden was a 22-year-old, he thought that Tai Chi looked incredibly boring.
But after being persuaded by his landlord to attend a class, he soon found himself going on a regular basis.
“I certainly didn’t get into it with my first class,” he says.
“Tai Chi wasn’t something that I expected to enjoy. I just went along out of politeness, but it wasn’t long before I appreciated that it was a good way to get rid of the stress of the day.”
Richard developed a regular Tai Chi habit that has kept him in good physical and mental shape for the last 40 years.
“Tai Chi gently works intrinsic muscles that help with posture, balance and body alignment. It helps to develop deep breathing and it helps develop mindfulness. It’s certainly benefited my life.”
Richard has been generous with his Tai Chi skills, taking many classes in Auckland and, most recently, in Warkworth and at the Summerset Retirement Village, and in Orewa at the Maygrove Retirement Village.
The classes have been disrupted by lockdowns, but he is looking forward to getting back into a routine this year.
He also takes free classes at the Mangawhai Parkview Waters Community Centre on Saturdays at 9am.
“This is just as much for me as for anyone else who attends. Tai Chi is easier to do in a group – I’m not sure why, maybe because you can feel a part of something bigger than yourself.
“There is very little talking, but moving together seems to promote a feeling of community and unity.”
