The Halifax Community Club and the Whitingham Free Public Library are co-sponsoring a Tai Chi class that will be held on Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Halifax Community Hall. The first series will begin on September 2, with weekly classes continuing until November 11 (except no class on September 9). The instructor, Halifax resident Seth Geeslin, has been practicing Tai Chi for more than 20 years and teaching for about 15 years. The class will be Yang style, with an emphasis on teaching beginners. However, people of all levels of Tai Chi are encouraged to participate. Those who are more advanced can follow along with the class, adapt the session to their personal level, or use the spacious hall to do their own practice.

Tai Chi does not require special equipment or clothing. Students should wear comfortable clothing for ease of movement. Participants can go barefoot or wear shoes or slippers that will allow for good, firm placement of their feet on the floor.

Tai Chi is a low-impact, slow, and deliberate form of movement. The benefits include calming, better focus, sounder sleep, and overall improvement of well-being. In recent years, numerous studies published in the medical literature document the benefits of Tai Chi. For example, Tai Chi practice can help people who have Parkinson’s disease to improve their balance. The following web site provides a summary of some of Tai Chi’s health benefits: http://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/the-health-benefits-of-tai-chi

The Halifax Community Hall, located at 20 Brook Road in West Halifax, is wheelchair accessible and has an accessible bathroom. The class is open to the public, and no registration is required. There is a suggested voluntary donation of $5.00 per class. All donations will be applied toward a winter heat fund to enable the Club to host Tai Chi classes and other programs year-round in the historic Hall. For more information, contact Linda Lyon at LindaALyon@gmail.com or 802-368-2211.