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Journey:
YANG TAIJI
TO THE EDGE OF THE WORLD
MY ENCOUNTER WITH ANCIENT WISDOM instructor is Sifu Gordon Muir. He is president and head instructor for the Victoria Taiji Academy. Gordon has been teaching tai chi and qi gong part-time for 35 years, and full-time for the last 15 years. He studied in China over a 14 year period. His resume includes being taught by three prominent masters, including Master T. T. Liang, Master Zhang Xue-Xin and Grandmaster Liu ChengDe of Jinan, China. Sifu Muir moves so smoothly from one posture to the next that I get fooled into thinking it’s easy. And of course it will be easier and easier as my body adjusts. Come and join Sifu Muir and me and learn yang taiji and become healthier. Goward House Society is a non-profit organization that operates as an adult activity centre for those aged 50+. For info, call: 250-477-4401, or visit gowardhouse.com.
BY GAYLE MILLBANK, GOWARD HOUSE MEMBER
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have been enrolled in a Yang style taiji class since September 2018. Yang style tai chi, or taiji is a school which traces its origins back more than 300 years to Chen Village. It is an internal Chinese martial art practiced mainly for its health benefits. Yang style is practiced worldwide and is the most popular of the traditional schools. The term ‘taiji’ refers to a philosophy of the forces of yin and yang, related to the moves. In the forms, leverage through the joints is based on coordination and relaxation rather than muscular tension. The slow, repetitive work involved in the process of learning how that leverage is generated gently increases the internal circulation (breath, body heat, blood, lymph and peristalsis). The training concentrates on relieving the physical effects of stress on the body and mind. I was amazed to discover my hips are tight — not good when it comes to this type of taiji. But the good news is I’m loosening up, and on a day-to-day basis, I’m walking more comfortably. I’m hot by the end of a one hour class. This is good, too, as it means my circulation is improving. My mind benefits by focusing solely on the movements of the form, which brings mental calm and clarity. That’s what I’m aiming for — mental clarity. If I can train myself to remember the forms, maybe I’ll also improve my memory. That’s my goal. For this journey into health, I’m in good hands, as my knowledgeable and very patient
QI GONG Qi gong is the life energy that flows through the body. It is also a holistic method of health care comprised of coordinated body posture and movement, breathing and meditation. As a branch of traditional Chinese medicine it is used to increase strength, flexibility and endurance while relieving stress. Qi gong is similar to tai chi, but easier to learn, as the movements are simpler. Goward House is pleased to introduce you to this ancient art of health maintenance: Thursdays, beginning Feb. 7 12:45 to 1:45 p.m. at Goward House 2495 Arbutus Rd. Register: 250-477-4401.
award winning Haida Heritage Centre at_ay Llnagaay bring the island’s story and legends to life. Despite the many layers of history to be found, the culture is by no means relegated to the past. The people that call Haida Gwaii home today are a mix of Haida and non-aboriginal descent. There are plenty of opportunities to interact with the locals. Perhaps join a locally guided boat tour through the remote wilderness, or dine on a feast from the sea at the seaside home of a Haida chef. Visit some of the artistic studios that can be found dotted along the main roadways and tour the Long Houses of Old Massett. While not all that far away, travelling to the edge of the world can be a bit challenging. The small population and remote location does not provide for simple connections. But those willing to make the journey will be rewarded with a unique experience. Victoria-based tour operator Mile Zero Tours is offering inclusive tours to Haida Gwaii. The 9-day small group trip has departures in June, July and August. This fully escorted tour combines BC Ferries spectacular Inside Passage cruise, BC’s North coast and Haida Gwaii. All transportation, many meals, locally guided tours and museums are included, as is airfare back to Victoria or Vancouver. For details on Mile Zero Tours and the Haida Gwaii and Inside Passage Tour, visit milezerotours.com or call: 250-590-0811.
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aida Gwaii, meaning ‘Islands of the People’, formerly known as the Queen Charlotte Islands, and sometimes referred to simply as the Edge of the World, should be bucket list material for anyone looking to explore a truly exotic and enchanted land. The isolated archipelago, now home to under 5,000 residents, rests just a little beyond the western edge of the continent about 100 km off B.C.’s north coast. The Islands are a nature lover’s paradise, highlighted by Gwaii Haanas National Park in the south and Naikoon Provincial Park in the north. Massive cedar and Sitka spruce trees tower above, covering much of the islands, and rocky and sandy beaches mark the coastline where the waves crash and the coastal breezes howl. In the skies, ravens and bald eagles soar in abundance while orcas prowl along the shoreline, watching for sea lions. The islands are home to a diverse multitude of marine and terrestrial species. Beyond the mystical landscapes and the island’s plentiful flora and fauna, Haida Gwaii offers much more to the discerning explorer. People have called these lands home for thousands of years, and the Haida culture is rejuvenated. The past can be seen first-hand at ancient abandoned village sites where Haida ‘watchmen’ preserve their history among the foundations of long abandoned longhouses and the remnants of great totem poles that are slowly returning to nature. The displays at the
20 years of providing 0011664446 Quality and Value to DARVIN C seniors! MILLER Victoria’s Book a tour stay for lunch Focus on and Seniors_Feb
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CHINESE NEW YEAR
Spring festival a cultural immersion
Sunday Social
Feb. 24 at 1:30 p.m. Entertainment provided by Sky Mundell, Vancouver Island’s Got Talent winner (2011) Sky is totally blind, has hearing loss and cerebral palsy. He has performed at River Rock Casino in Richmond and opened shows in Vegas. Sky will be accompanied by the VIP Singers. Their repertoire includes inspirational tunes, old to new pop songs and show tunes often arranged with a jazz or blues slant by their director, Marcelina Stanton. Admission is by donation. Refreshments served. Everyone is welcome. Phone: 250-652-4611 or email: ssca@shaw.ca centralsaanichseniorscentre.org Centre For Active Living 50+, 1229 Clarke Rd. (next to the library) Brentwood Bay
Speakers Series The Latest Technology for Seniors Friday, Feb. 15 at 2 to 3:30 p.m. Guest Speakers Alan Perry of Egurus and Ron Fraser of London Drugs are back by popular request to report on the latest technology for seniors. Admission by donation. Refreshments served. Everyone is welcome. 250-652-4611 or cssca@shaw.ca centralsaanichseniorscentre.org
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ilver Threads Service’s longstanding connection with the Chinese Community dates back to the 1960s, when the Victoria Silver Threads Centre was located at Government and Fisgard streets in the heart of Chinatown. This relationship continues today, with members of the Chinese Seniors’ Association and the Chinese Women’s Friendship Association making use of the Victoria Centre every weekend. The groups gather to socialize, dance, share information, sing, play table tennis and learn ESL. To honour this historic relationship, Silver Threads will host a
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Chinese Lunar New Year Celebration on Saturday, Feb. 9 from 1 to 3:30 p.m. Members of the Chinese Women’s Friendship Association will offer a glimpse of how the “Spring Festival” is celebrated in China. The event includes sampling of items from the traditional Family Reunion Dinner with information on the meaning and symbolism of each dish. The film, Spring Festival, will be shown and there will be traditional song and dance for everyone to enjoy. Everyone is invited to this unique opportunity for cultural immersion. Seating is limited; reserve by calling: 250-388-4268. Tickets: $5.25 (members), $7.35 (non-members).
MEMORY PLUS CHALLENGE Practice, Laughter and Useful Strategies
Memory PLUS is a Silver Threads program for those 55+ who would like to increase their memory in an active and social group setting. The 12-week program is offered in locations in Greater Victoria. To celebrate Valentine’s Day, here are some words to unscramble. 1. evod 2. duicp 3. sdrac 4. talcheoco 5. tead 6. attreewesh 7. slrowef 8. veol Answers: 1. dove 2. Cupid 3. Cards 4. chocolate 5. sweetheart 6. date 7. flowers 8. love
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TWO-FACTOR AUTHENTICATION If you have a smartphone, use “two-factor” authentication, or switch to it anytime it is offered. If a website or service doesn’t recognize where you are logging in from, it sends a code to your trusted smart phone number. Enter the code on the first device, and you’re all set. It is an extra step over the “old” system, but it does a far better job of protecting you and your account from unauthorized people. Contact the Victoria Computer Club at Silver Threads Saanich Centre for help. Call: 250-382-3151. victoriacomputerclub.org
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