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Stress Relief Class
Relax and Have Some Fun! Improve your Health!
Everyday people are feeling more stress than ever due to the economy and added pressure in the work environment. Stress is on the rise and this can lead to a variety of health and emotional problems. Master Henry Cheng’s Tai Chi Wellness Center is now offering a Stress Relief class for a very modest price. Master Cheng will be teaching Relaxation Techniques (Qigong) that help to reduce stress, decrease anxiety, restore energy, and improve concentration. The class is offered on the first and third Tuesdays of each month, 6:00 – 7:00 pm and is open to the general public as well as the regular students of the Tai Chi Wellness Center.
Master Cheng is passionate about passing on his knowledge to help with this growing crisis. “I would really like to share some of the special tai chi methods of reducing stress to help people who are having difficulty at this time,” says Master Cheng.
Other classes at the Tai Chi Wellness Center feature basics in Wu Style Tai Chi Short and Long Forms, as well as more advanced classes in self-defense, energy, traditional weapons (saber, spear and sword), Chinese Brush Painting / Calligraphy, and more. The focus of the center is on overall mind and body wellness, which improves with the continued practice of Tai Chi.
5th Generation Master Henry Cheng has over 40 years of Tai Chi Chuan experience. He began studying Tai Chi Chuan at the age of 12. In 1969, he began studying under Grand Master Pak Yu Kong in Hong Kong. In 1982, he accepted the fifth-generation honor of Master of Tai Chi Chuan from Grand Master Kong.
For further information on stress relief class, tai chi classes, fees, or to arrange a tai chi demonstration, please call the Tai Chi Wellness Center at 858-272-2698 or Visit web site » ...
Tai Chi Wellness Center
An interview with a Tai Chi student
How she deals with everyday stress...
We know that you learned Tai Chi. Has this affected your life when it comes to dealing with stress?
Yes. Absolutely. Like most people, I have a very stressful life. As long as I practice tai chi daily, I feel happy and I am able to deal with any kind of stress without it upsetting my day.
Did you grow up in San Diego if not where?
I am from New York City – Brooklyn, actually. Just living there for half of your life can make you stressed out! I mean, between the traffic, bad weather, crowds, etc.-- the fast pace of life there is enough to make anyone a “head case” from stress.
Growing up did your parent or parents support you?
Financially? Yes. Emotionally? Well, I think they tried to – they did the best they could, but in those days parents were more of “do this because I am your parent and I say so” than most enlightened parents today, I think. So I was a rebellious young person.
Was your family life stressful?
Yes, definitely. My parents didn’t really understand me and my 60’s / 70’s lifestyle and point of view. It made for some very volatile dinner discussions and I felt very frustrated that my parents didn’t care about my point of view or give me credit for intelligent thinking.
Who inspired your life in a positive way growing up?
I guess I was inspired by the music of the times, especially the Beatles and Bob Dylan.
How do you handle stress in everyday life?
I make time for the things I love to do – especially Tai Chi – which keeps me focused and calm.
How do you deal with stress at home and at work?
As long as I start my day with the Tai Chi form early in the morning, I can deal with almost anything.
How often do you get sick?
I have a few chronic ailments such as sinus problems, but for the most part I don’t really get sick much anymore. For a person my age, I think I am really quite healthy.
How do you deal with people who are stressed?
I generally calm them by being calm in most situations.
How do you relax?
Besides Tai Chi, I like to watch TV, play on my laptop, read, pat my cat, walk, swim, take naps……
What are your hobbies and interests?
I love to watch martial arts movies, and other movies. I love to read books, especially fantasies. I love animals. I like to spend time with my friends.
How do you avoid unnecessary stress?
I generally don’t let it get to me.
Do you ever feel overwhelmed and if so how do you handle it?
Of course, we all do sometimes. But if you manage your stress daily like I do with tai chi you can stop yourself when you feel it starting, and focus on what is important.
Is your blood pressure normal?
Yes.—Although it has been high in the past.
Are you a social person?
I like to think so, although I do have a shy side to my personality.
How important are your friendships with people?
In spite of my childhood shyness, I have always needed friends. I still do, even more now than I ever have before. I have great friends, and I really love them all. I think our relationships with other people is what makes your life worth something. We can’t live in a vacuum! If we don’t have other people in our lives, to be there for us, and for us to be there for them, then what are we doing here? What is our purpose in this world if not to help and love one another?
How is your decision-making and concentration level?
Honestly, it varies. I think it gets worse if I am stressed.
How do you avoid burnout?
By taking time for myself; to do what I love to do, to relax, to pat the kitty, to smell the roses.
What gives you joy in life?
Seeing my children grown up and doing well. Helping other people. Teaching tai chi. Taking care of my pets. Spending time with friends.
Do you drink alcohol to relax? If so how much?
No, I don’t drink alcohol at all.
What healthier ways do you do to deal with stress?
I do tai chi. I nap. I swim. I walk. I lose myself in a movie or a book. All those things help.
Do you ever feel muscle tensions? If so how do you deal with it?
Not when I am regularly doing tai chi. If I do, I just relax my muscles with tai chi or acupressure.
Are you an emotional eater? Do you eat to cope with stress, or craving sweet or salty food?
Yes, yes, yes, yes.
Are you a spiritual person?
Yes. I am a very spiritual person. I have learned to use my chi to help myself and others, and I believe in my own form of religion that I gleaned from many of the world’s religions and made my own belief system.
What advice would you give people how to live a better life without stress?
I think everyone should at least try Tai Chi. It may not be for everyone, but you need some kind of system to reduce the stresses we all have in this life. If not tai chi, then find what works for you – do something you like so you can stick to it. It will help you be a better human being.
