Tai chi lesson brings wellness on TR

By Andrea Conley/reporter

After a picnic luncheon and campus updates, Trinity River faculty recently received a wellness presentation including a basic lesson in the Asian practice of tai chi.

Husband-and-wife team Michael and Laura Anderson, ordained ministers and experts in Oriental therapy, yoga and tai chi, conducted the session.

Laura Anderson opened with an overview of tai chi, explaining it is more than a self-defense exercise.

“Tai chi is a complete way of life — a way of approaching life,” she said. “The meditation and gentle movement connects the mind with the body.”

After her brief information session, Anderson and her husband directed faculty members through a basic tai chi exercise.

Computer science associate professor Tyson McMillan enjoyed the afternoon.

“This was actually my first experience with tai chi,” he said. “I found it very educational and beneficial to me. It provided both a well-needed workout and a new way to relax.”

For geology instructor Jamie Miller, one session was not enough.

“It was amazing,” she said. “I wish we could do tai chi in the courtyard every morning.”

The Andersons have taught tai chi and yoga for more than 10 years.