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Why are there so many Yoga, T’ai Chi and Chi Gong courses in Costa Rica? Maybe because the teachers want to be here! I am a teacher of the newer, western version of T’ai Chi Chih, also called Joy Thru Movement, and I want to live in Costa Rica.I recognize a healthy, joyful lifestyle when I see it. Joy, wonder, charm and nourishing choices permeate throughout the mountain and river valleys here.Ticos are good to share the life-givingenvironment they have created, and they share it generously.
Speaking for myself, I started visiting Costa Rica in 2008 and have returned once or twice each year since then. I have done my T’ai Chi Chih practice on the Caribbean coast near Limon, on the Pacific beaches of Manuel Antonio and Dominical, in Alajeula and San Isidro city parks, in a mountain retreat outside Grecia, looking at the mountains and the ocean at fincas near Ojochal and Miravalles and even while waiting for Poas to come to life. My new cabina by the river in Perez Zeledon gives me abundant chances to enjoy T’ai Chi Chih as I listen to the Rio Chirripo and notice the birds who are watching me intently.
Last December, while in residence at Casa Mountain Vista in Miravalles, a Blue Crowned Motmot sat still for 20 minutes watching the gentle forward and backward movements, never taking his eye off me.A few days later, three Fiery Billed Arcari gave me the eye as I began with Rocking Motion and Around the Platter; then one by one took flight directly over my head. Most fun, were the three swallows who began a game of chase in and out of the rancho where I was doing the Pulling Taffy movements.
Anyone who has not found your joyful and healthful practice, be it meditation, yoga, or whatever… consider T’ai Chi Chih: Joy Thru Movement. It was developed for westerners and is easy to learn and do for all ages and stages of mobility. You can learn more about this practice (which is soon coming to Perez Zeledon) by looking at the community website: www.taichichih.org.
To find out how you can have a demonstration at your club, or organization in May or December, contact the author of this article, Anita Vestal who is an accredited teacher and new owner of a cabina on Rio Chirripo . We are planning a one day workshop on Saturday May 28 in PZ; for more details, email Anita at
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or call Carol at 2770-1920 in PZ. Who knows what kinds of bird antics we’ll observe! |
