Seated Tai Chi

What to expect

Who is the activity for?
All adults are welcome to attend. The sessions are fully seated and low-impact, meaning they are suitable for individuals who are less able to stand, including older adults, people with physical disabilities, and people recovering from injury or illness. The sessions promote gentle movement, relaxation, and present-moment focus, which can be beneficial for people experiencing stress, people supporting their mental health and those in active recovery from substance use. They can also be beneficial for neurodiverse individuals by fostering mindful movement and body awareness.

What happens during the sessions?
The sessions are led by Samantha who will welcome you when you arrive. You will be invited to take a seat, connect with the ground and adopt a supportive posture and breathe softly and deeply. Samantha will then lead some gentle warm-up movements, followed by leading the seated Tai Chi form - you will be invited to float your arms gently through the air, while remaining grounded and centred. The session finishes with some gentle tapping to release any residual tension, and returning to a mindful awareness of breath.

Do I need prior experience or skills?
No experience is needed and all sessions are run on a drop-in basis. Samantha will ensure that movements are made accessible for complete beginners.

When do sessions take place?
In-person sessions take place at the Edge Café in Cambridge on the first Sunday of each month. Online sessions take place weekly on Mondays and Fridays. Full details including timings are available on the Wellness Healing Arts website.

Do you need to book ahead?
There is no need to book in advance for the Edge Café sessions (online on Fridays and in person on Sundays) but it is helpful if you can email Samantha in advance to discuss any needs or questions you might have. For the online Monday sessions you should book in advance online. Links to join the Zoom sessions can be found on the Wellness Healing Arts website.

Can you bring a carer / parent / guest / social prescriber?
Carers/companions are very welcome to attend, they are encouraged to join in.

How long do the sessions last?
Online and in-person sessions are both an hour long. You should ideally stay for the whole session. You are welcome to take breaks if you need to rest.

More information

Where do the sessions take place?
In-person sessions are held monthly at the Edge Café on Mill Road, at the front of the Brookfields Hospital site. There is limited parking. There are bus stops a short walk away. Sessions take place inside or outside, depending on the weather.

Is the building accessible? 
The Edge Café is wheelchair accessible and has an accessible toilet. Trained medical support dogs are welcome in the session.

What should I wear?
You should wear loose, comfortable clothing, and trainers or other comfortable, soft footwear. You may wish to bring a cushion to put on the chair (optional).

Are refreshments available?
The Café is closed on Sundays, so no refreshments are available. You should bring a bottle of water.

Are private classes available?
In addition to the group classes, Samantha also offers private online sessions on a self-selected sliding scale, pay what you can afford. Contact her for more information.

The Edge Café sessions are free to attend. These are every Friday on Zoom and the first Sunday of the month face-to-face at the Edge Café on Mill Road.

Samantha's other online classes are charged on a self-selected sliding scale, pay what you can afford.