Tai Chi Camp @Vaikom, Kerala, 2023
January 14, 2024 2024-02-11 7:50Tai Chi Camp @Vaikom, Kerala, 2023
UTCQ With great excitement and a little anxious about what’s in store over the next few days, we onboarded the flight from Mumbai to Kochi and then a 1.5-hour drive to Vembanad. Two more students joined us directly in Kerala—a total of 9 students and our master teacher. We were also blessed to have two super senior citizens showering their love and blessings over us throughout our camp duration.
We reached our destination late evening and settled into our clean and spacious rooms. We quickly freshened up and came together at the central dining table for our first meal. The bond among us was instant and so natural filled with positivity. Post dinner we had our first practice session, breathing and calming exercises before we hit the bed.
The next morning, we realized the beauty surrounding us. The property was huge, so green, with lots of fruit and coconut trees, and beyond was the beautiful Vembanad lake. Our day started early at 6.15 a.m. with practice then a break for breakfast and then practice again until lunchtime followed by a little rest. In the evening we took a long walk along the property and a little ahead to a clearing where we had an amazing view of the lake. The walk itself was a time for getting to know each other a little better as well as, ironically, self-introspection.
All thanks to Albert Mathews for finding this gem of a place tucked away from all the city hustle and bustle.
The camp itself was beautifully crafted by our teacher, Rakesh Menon, and Albert. We practiced breathing and healing sounds, balancing the yin and yang, focused on building our core energy in the dantian, animal-inspired movements, a little bit of combat training, and the power of gratitude to each of our vital organs. A touch of magic to pick up our colleague with just one finger !! We practiced the Yang Form 24 diligently, correcting our stance and graceful transitions while learning the sequence of movements. Regular practice of Form 24 helps increase our focus, and sense of balance and improve our mental health.
Along with the practical training, we also had the opportunity to gain nuggets of wisdom generously imparted by our dear ‘Sifu’. He answered our every question patiently and enlightened us with the knowledge and history behind some of the practices.
But not all work, we also had a lot of fun. Regaling old songs, drunken dialogues, exploring canals in a boat, traditional sadhya meal, exploring the local market, and visiting the beautiful Vaikom Mahadeva temple. So much packaged together in such a short time.
All in all, the serene surroundings, the sound of the birds and bees, delicious homely local food, the physical and mental practice and so much more. Truly a fulfilling and energizing camp. Came back with a lot more friends, a commitment to more regular practice, and a sense of accomplishment! Looking forward to the next camp for sure.
