The Power of Story: Weaving Narratives into Tai Chi for Rehabilitation
Weaving Stories into Tai Chi for Rehabilitation When you’re teaching Tai Chi in a rehabilitation setting, the focus often starts with the physical — posture, alignment, breath, balance. But the heart of the practice goes much deeper than that. One of the most powerful ways to reach your students — especially those recovering from injury or illness — is through story . Why Stories Help Healing We are all storytellers at heart. Stories shape how we see ourselves and how we make sense of change. In rehabilitation, where students may be rebuilding trust in their bodies or confidence in their movement, stories can turn exercises into meaningful experiences. A good story does more than entertain — it helps people feel connected , motivated , and hopeful . It invites them to see their recovery as a journey, not a battle. Making Movements Meaningful Tai Chi already gives us a rich language of imagery — White Crane Spreads Wings , Wave Hands Like Clouds , Embrace Tiger, Return to Mountain. When...