Author: annebower

Former academic, tai chi instructor since 2005, tai chi trainer since 2014, writer

No Kings, Oct. 18, 2025–the biggest protest ever in the USA!

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In Woodstock, VT, near where I live, there were about 400 of us demonstrating, with music, chanting, dancing, signs galore, some folks in inflatable costumes, and a wonderful spirit of community. Friends and family have told me of their powerful experiences too–in Davenport, Iowa; Albany, NY; Salem, Mass; and other locations. Even in other parts of the world we had sympathizers recognizing the danger of leaders who think they are above the law and ACT without regard for the laws and the Constitution.

Whether it’s doing tai chi, writing, at work, shopping, or at play, we need to speak up for our values. If someone says something you deem hateful or harmful, call them on it! You don’t have to be loud or nasty. You can make your comment quietly but firmly. Keep the wheel of conversation rolling. I know that for me, it’s all too easy to snap out a judgment, so I try to hold onto the familiar tai chi saying, “Yield to the incoming force and redirect.” To me, this means I need to listen to the other person, no matter how much I disagree with them, and then take a stance that deflects whatever’s offensive. Not easy, but I know the result will be better for me (what good does it do to get all red-faced and blustery?) and maybe, just maybe, find a way to reach that other person.

We didn’t get the first frost

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It’s that time of the year when we gardeners watch out for the first frost. One was predicted for our area, so we scuttled around the garden gathering all the green tomatoes we could handle, all the green peppers (even if only 2″ in diameter), covered the Swiss chard and last row of beets with sheets, and hoped for the best.

This morning when I looked out the windows I could see that my neighbor’s pasture, which is slightly below the level of my property, got frosted. But we escaped. This makes me think of all the “it could happen” things that surround us. And after our first “Fall Prevention Awareness” event, held at the Bugbee Senior Center in White River Junction, I’m still wondering if most people still take chances they shouldn’t–keeping that one pretty throw rug in place, not having a grip bar beside the shower, not having a night light in the bedroom, not getting that annual vision check, not drinking enough water. Let’s all remind each other about staying safe, please! We’re having another “Fall Prevention Awareness” event soon, this time at the Thompson Senior Center in Woodstock (Oct. 8, 10-11).

But back to the green tomatoes. There simply were too many, so I called up a neighbor and asked is she wanted some. “Oh yes,” she’d love them. We hadn’t seen each other for a while and had fun standing on her sunny porch, catching up and comparing our spaghetti sauce recipes. She’s about to turn 87, still keeps goats and chickens, still cleans other’s houses for pay, still makes endless jars of jelly, jam, and pickles to sell. How does she do it???? “It keeps me young,” she says, obviously happy she can still do all these things even if her arthritis really acts up sometimes. What a great role model!

She doesn’t do tai chi or yoga, she doesn’t meditate in any formal way, but I’m guessing that when she’s moving around the goats and chickens, that’s HER tai chi; when she’s stirring another batch of strawberry jam, that’s her meditation.

September is Fall Prevention Awareness Month

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What are you doing to keep yourself safe? Have you made modifications in your home — grab bars, removal of throw rugs, better lighting, new stair railings? Have you undertaken an exercise program (or two!!)? Tai chi, Yoga, Walk with Ease, Bone Builders, Aquarobics–they’re all good. Are you doing more balance exercises during the day, like standing on one leg (maybe with a reassuring finger on a chair back or counter) or some squats? Have you had your vision and hearing tested lately? Yes–hearing can make a difference to your balance. Are you reminding yourself to be more mindful, take your time to accomplish tasks, stop hurrying here and there–this isn’t just a good fall prevention strategy, it adds to the pleasure you get doing even the smallest task. And remember too that some deep, meditative breathing can help reduce stress and tension; when you are stressed out and tense you are more likely to trip, bump into things, and fall.

As we sometimes say at this time of year: The beautiful autumn leaves fall, but we don’t have to!!

“I’m old, so what!”

annebower
A tai chi class with four participants practicing the 'wave hands in the clouds' movement, showing focus and engagement.

The August 9th edition of The Valley News carried a long article about older people teaching exercise classes. Kudos to the photographer and journalist who spent time at my Woodstock classes and did a great job. The article covers other instructors too. Above you see me with 3 students in our Beginner class, enjoying “wave hands in the clouds” together. It’s twenty years now that I’ve been teaching tai chi, and I still get a kick out of seeing the progress people make when they attend classes regularly–learning the tai chi forms, yes, but also improving their balance and awareness.

Good Trouble, Necessary Trouble

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Yesterday, participating in a demonstration that celebrated the work of Congressman John Lewis and protested the autocratic policies our national government is imposing, the hot sun pounding down on us, people in passing cars waving or giving a thumbs up –and some giving a thumbs down–my heart ached for those who are suffering because of this administration.

I know some people will say it’s inappropriate for me, as a tai chi instructor, to take a public stand in this way, but tai chi has opened my heart to the needs of my fellow human beings–not only for health but for support and encouragement. And beyond that all those basic needs that for many are being destroyed, whether because of climate change policies, cuts to medicare and medicaid, cuts to departments that provide needed services in education, health, scientific research, and more.

In tai chi we often say, “yield to the incoming force and redirect.” If only there were a way to apply that to the current political situation! I am one elderly person, and there’s little I can do to change the direction of our government. Yes, I can use my disposable income to support the causes I believe in. Yes, I can act in as caring and courteous a way as possible to all I encounter. And yes, when someone presents me with a lie or piece of misinformation/disinformation or their bigotry, I can get into a bit of good, necessary trouble by saying sorry, that really doesn’t wash OR I can’t accept that OR if that’s your attitude we have nothing to say to each other. If that offends someone, so be it. A tiny bit of good and necessary trouble.

Bafa Wubu–Eight Energies, Five Directions

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On June 20th a large group of Tai Chi Vermont instructors attended a certification workshop focused on this enjoyable, short style of tai chi. The workshop was led by Marty Kidder and Lisa Hilaire. We were in the beautiful Charlotte Congregational Church and not only learned from Marty and Lisa but from each other as well, with lots of mutual encouragement and a good bit of laughter too.

Bafa Wubu is now the new standard introductory form of tai chi in China. It takes very little space which means you can practice in your office, kitchen, garage, almost anywhere! It combines moves from the major traditional tai chi styles. The first half involves movements that engage the core, but the feet are stationary. During the second half we move forward, backward, right, left, and at the end there’s a one-leg standing posture to represent “up.”

Now that I’m certified in this form I look forward to teaching it; exactly how to fit it into the current teaching schedule? Haven’t figured that out yet!

Grateful to our Senior Centers

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For over fifteen years I’ve been teaching at the Bugbee Sr. Ctr. in WRJ and the Thompson Sr. Ctr. in Woodstock. Big thanks to the staff at both locations for all the support they’ve provided. Each of these centers provides food, exercise, advice, cultural experiences, and fantastic opportunities for socializing.

Please support your senior centers. This is more important than ever given the kinds of budget cuts the current federal administration is putting in place.

As many of you know, I’ve had three chapbooks of poetry published, each with a different press. I’m currently selling them at the bargain rate of $5 each, with the money going to our two senior centers. So let me know if you want one. If you are a current student, I can bring it to you. If you aren’t, I can mail it to you (but the cost, incl. shipping and handling, will be $10, and you’ll need to email me your mailing address). You can pay using the cart icon on this website.

Poems for Tai Chi Players, Kattywompus Press: All the poems relate directly to tai chi

The Space Between Us, Finishing Line Press: Poems about the spaces within and around us, in nature, in relationships, and a few about tai chi too

Getting it Down on Paper, Orchard Street Press: This letter-like exchange of poems with fellow-poet Pam Ahlen, explores our histories and experiences in a wonderful give and take.

Rain

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Many years ago, I lived in Ireland for close to three years, so people–I know rain.

When my mother came to visit us, her response to the weather was, “If I lived here, I’d grow moss on my north side”! ( By the by–that idea that moss grows on the north side of trees isn’t true–moss is opportunistic and will grow most anywhere it finds the damp conditions it prefers.)

In Dublin where we first lived, and out in Corofin, County Clare, where we eventually spent our last 9 months overseas, there were “soft days” when the rain was just a mist and your heavy woolen sweater and a hat kept you dry enough. Other days were “spitting”–not awful, but annoying. When the rain got heavier it was “punishing,” “pissing,” “hammering,” and of course, folks talked of “buckets” of rain as well. Rain was simply a condition of life.

So as we’ve had this series of Vermont rainy days, I’ve tried to take on an Irish attitude and not let a bit of rain keep me indoors all the time. And look at how green the landscape has grown with all the moisture. Why, you might think you were in the Emerald Isle itself!

Don’t hold your breath

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Throughout tai chi and qigong we want to breathe into the movements. There is no absolute method for this; each person discovers the breathing patterns that work best for their own body. We often find ourselves breathing out when it feels like we’re delivering energy or force with the particular movement–but that’s not a rule.

When anxious or uncertain, people often end up holding their breath. I really don’t know why that happens, but if it occurs to you, do try and let go. Holding back on your breathing increases tension–who needs that? For me, if I have a backache or I get myself in a state about politics or a sick friend or something else, just sitting, eyes closed, hands on belly, and breathing slowly and quietly brings me back to a state where thoughts and feelings can flow. I may not have a solution for whatever problem has been bothering me, but now I can accept that I have no solution!

Some of you may be adept at meditating–using a seated or standing form. Perhaps you have a chant or mantra that you say repeatedly (outloud or inwardly) as you breathe quietly. Perhaps you have special items you look at–lovely flowers or a picture or a statue. There are so many ways we can find a breathing practice that brings us back to center and helps us become ready to face life’s quandaries with more composure and openness.

Pruning

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We’ve 5 dwarf apple trees on our property and oh my, how poorly they are doing. In yesterday’s glorious sunshine and mild temperatures, and without much skill, I began pruning them, in hopes we will get some decent fruit this year. The goal for a healthy tree is one leader branch, up to 6 main side branches, and enough, but not too many smaller branches with buds that will flower and fruit.

Makes me think of what we want in ourselves, eh? A main direction, those side branches that enliven our days, and an array of budding tastes, smells, textures, sounds, and images to inspire us.

But it also makes me think of our “leader”–the person in the White House whose branches seem to wave and weave in ways that are actually harming many people around the world and here at home. You’d think the senate and house of representatives would have the guts to prune back this madness.

OK–we need to breathe, focus on community, support the groups doing the hard work of providing needed services to folks (for health care, schooling, food, etc.), and let our politicians know what we think, what we need, and what we want them to do. Stretch–do some yoga, tai chi, qigong, go on a run, write a poem, cook a good soup, keep your spirit up. I tell this to myself even as I write it to you……