Tai chi is a martial art, a series of inter-related movements, a discipline and a state of mind.

Tai chi is also an undervalued and underappreciated form of exercise.

"Tai chi is often described as a moving meditation, connecting the body, breath and mind," said Jenny Bones, a certified tai chi instructor and a tai chi easy practice leader. "When practicing tai chi, we are cultivating energy and connecting to our spirit. Tai chi is an excellent practice for improving lung health, lowering stress and cortisol levels, improving balance and increasing your overall well-being.

"Tai chi meets the practitioner where they're at," continued Bones. "Yoga is a practice of Asanas (poses) that are to be interpreted and then explored by the practitioner. Tai chi is a meditation through continuous movement."

Bones is also the owner of Black Cat Yoga, which does not offer a brick-and-mortar location. She leads groups of tai chi practitioners at places like the Lititz Public Library, as well as instructs personal tai chi sessions.

"My 11-year-old calls it 'slow karate,'" said Bones. "You can absolutely practice tai chi when you wake, before bed, in your living room, in your yard, anywhere. Tai chi is practiced regularly in a group. The intention of group practice is to raise communal consciousness and connection. You can practice standing and walking, seated in a chair or even in bed."

Tai chi's benefits are broad and far-reaching. Constant and consistent tai chi practice can improve balance and prevent falls, help to manage symptoms of Parkinson's disease, improve cognitive functions, lower stress levels, assist in managing depression, help manage chronic obstruction pulmonary disease (COPD) and improve overall well-being.

"All humans deserve the opportunity to explore movement in a way that makes them feel good," said Bones, a resident of Lititz. "Tai chi isn't a performance so much as it is a personal experience. Yes, there are movements and shapes, and those shapes and movements will express differently for each person who practices. A consistent practice should be every day, even if it's 60 seconds daily."

Bones has been a certified tai chi instructor for four years, after receiving training as a practice leader from Dr. Kalind Bakshi of The Breath Lab in Philadelphia. Her tai chi journey began in 2018 when she started practicing Integral Tai Chi with Kathy Brubaker at The Yoga Place in Ephrata.

"I had been taking public classes and had experienced benefits beyond measure," said Bones. "I wanted to share that opportunity with as many people as I can. I fell in love with the slow, flowing movements and the opportunity to get lost in the moment."

Tai chi originated from an ancient Chinese practice called Qigong nearly 500 years ago. Tai chi was initially introduced and taught in the United States in the late 1930s.

"Tai chi can be interpreted by all individuals to suit their ability and mobility levels," said Bones. "Tai chi can be practiced walking, standing, sitting or lying down. Tai chi can be as simple as one movement or 100. Besides myself at the library, there are plenty of tai chi teachers in Lititz and Lancaster who are offering classes like at the Lititz recCenter and the Lititz Senior Center."

For additional information, go to http://www.blackcatyogalititz.com.