Tai Chi on the Lawn at Woodlands Garden

Join us for beginner-friendly Tai Chi in the serene setting of Woodlands Garden. Over eight weeks, we will explore the first half of the Yang Style 24 Form through gentle movement, intentional breathing, and mindful awareness. Each class begins with a Qigong warm-up and concludes with standing meditation.

These ancient practices are designed to reduce stress, improve balance, and deepen your connection with nature. This program is part of Woodlands Garden’s Health & Wellness in Nature initiative.

Weather permitting, sessions will take place outdoors on the lawn and may include guided walking inspired by forest bathing, enriched by Neil’s knowledge of trees and ecology. In case of rain, classes will move to the screened pavilion, where we will practice Dao Yin floor exercises using mats—an important foundation for Tai Chi.

Session Details

• Dates: Fridays, June 5 – July 24
  (July 31 reserved as a make-up date)

• Time: 10:00 AM

• Location: Woodlands Garden lawn
  (Rain location: screened pavilion)

What to Expect

Each session includes:

• Qigong warm-up exercises

• Instruction in the Yang Style 24 Form

• Guided breathing and mindful movement

• Standing and seated meditation

• Optional nature-based walking practices outdoors

• Dao Yin floor work on rainy days

Fees

Early Registration (before May 18)

• $30 — Co-op members, Woodlands volunteers, and donors

• $60 suggested donation — General public

After May 18

• $50 — Co-op members, volunteers, and donors

• $90 suggested donation — General public

Fees include all eight sessions.

All proceeds support both Woodlands Garden and the Tai Chi 4 LIFE Co-op.

About the Organizations

Woodlands Garden preserves a woodland sanctuary that educates and inspires connection with the natural world.

Tai Chi 4 LIFE Co-op is a self-care community offering practical methods—including Tai Chi, Qigong, and related healing arts—to reduce stress and support overall well-being.

About the Instructor

Neil is an experienced instructor in Tai Chi, Wild Goose Qigong, Tree Gong, Four Seasons Qigong, Five Element Medical Qigong, and Dao Yin. He has taught at the Decatur Recreation Center and is a founding member of the Tai Chi 4 LIFE Co-op.

In addition to his teaching, Neil works as a consulting arborist, combining his passion for nature with his expertise in mind-body wellness.