You know how they say there’s a time and place for everything? Well, I’m living proof that some wisdom only clicks when we’re ready for it. Twenty years ago, I walked into a Tai Chi class feeling restless and impatient, wondering why everyone was moving so slowly when I could be at the gym burning calories.

Fast forward to my mid-fifties, and here I am, completely captivated by this ancient art that I once dismissed as “boring.”

When the Student is Ready, the Teacher Appears

Life has a funny way of bringing things back around, doesn’t it? While everyone my age seems to be obsessing over Pilates (don’t get me wrong, I’ve have given this reformer a go ), I’ve moved on to something that speaks to where I am right now – like I usually do! Sometimes being a serial wellness explorer has its perks.

Recently, I discovered that The Commons Thonglor – one of Bangkok’s most progressive lifestyle hubs – was offering free Tai Chi lessons through their theWHOLESOME Tai Chi Club. Their “Flow with Friends” sessions happen every first and third Saturday of the month at 9 AM on the Top Yard (3rd floor), and honestly, it’s such a beautiful, peaceful space to practice mindful movement. You know me – I can’t resist a good wellness opportunity, especially when it’s in my neighborhood and doesn’t cost a dime. So off I went, curious to see if my older, hopefully wiser self would appreciate what my younger self had rushed past.

What Exactly is Tai Chi? (For Those Who’ve Always Wondered)

For those who’ve never tried it, Tai Chi is often called “meditation in motion” – and honestly, that description couldn’t be more perfect. Originating in ancient China, it’s a gentle form of exercise that combines slow, flowing movements with deep breathing and mindfulness. Think of it as yoga’s contemplative cousin, but with more graceful arm movements and less pretzel-like poses.

The practice involves a series of movements performed in a slow, focused manner, accompanied by deep breathing. What makes it particularly appealing is that it’s low-impact – your joints will thank you – while still providing real physical and mental benefits.

Why It Resonates Now

Perhaps this rekindled fascination is less about Taichi itself and more about me finally being ready to hear it. In my thirties, I was impatient for outcomes; now, I revel in the process. In this chapter of active aging, slowing down no longer feels like surrender—it feels like strategy.

And while the world around me twirls to the latest fads (Pilates, I see you), I’ve sashayed off in my own direction, as I tend to do. Some chase trends; I prefer detours that feel like they’re mine alone.

Perfect for Active Aging: The Benefits Keep Coming

Let me tell you why Tai Chi is becoming my go-to recommendation for fellow active agers:

Balance and Fall Prevention: As we age, maintaining good balance becomes crucial. Tai Chi specifically targets the stabilizing muscles and improves proprioception – basically, your body’s awareness of where it is in space. Studies consistently show it reduces fall risk in older adults.

Joint Health Without the Impact: Unlike running or high-impact aerobics, Tai Chi is gentle on joints while still improving flexibility and range of motion. Perfect for those of us who’ve accumulated a few aches and pains over the decades.

Stress Reduction: The meditative aspect genuinely works. I left that first class feeling like I’d had a massage for my nervous system. In our crazy-busy world, this kind of mental reset is invaluable.

Meeting My Inspiring Instructor

The real highlight of my return to Tai Chi? Meeting my instructor, who at 68 is absolutely in the pink of health (and wealth, both physical and spiritual). This woman radiates vitality and moves with a grace that makes me want to practice every day. Her energy is infectious, and her perspective on aging through movement is exactly what I needed to hear.

I was so inspired by our conversation that I actually interviewed her about her approach to active aging through Tai Chi. You can watch our chat here – trust me, her insights about embracing this stage of life will resonate with anyone over 45.

The Timing Factor: Why Now is Perfect

Looking back, I understand why Tai Chi didn’t stick in my thirties. I wasn’t ready for its particular gifts. I needed to experience enough of life’s intensity to appreciate its gentleness, enough rushing to value slowing down, enough external focus to crave internal awareness.

There’s something beautifully poetic about discovering (or rediscovering) practices that align with where we are in life. I’m finding profound satisfaction in movements that honor both my body’s current needs and my spirit’s growing appreciation for mindfulness.

Ready to Give It a Try?

If you’re curious about Tai Chi, here’s my advice: approach it with beginner’s mind, regardless of your fitness background. Look for classes specifically designed for older adults or beginners – many community centers and wellness facilities offer them. Don’t worry about looking graceful initially; even experienced practitioners are continuously refining their movements.

Most importantly, give yourself permission to embrace practices that serve where you are now, not where you were twenty years ago. Sometimes the best discoveries come not from finding something new, but from being ready to receive what was always there waiting for us.

After all, there really is a time and place for everything – and for me, the time for Tai Chi is finally now.

Have you rediscovered any wellness practices that didn’t resonate when you were younger? I’d love to hear about your own perfect timing moments in the comments below.