Category: Yang 12 Short Form Tai Chi

Yang Style Short Form 12 — A Closing Practice For Integration And Calm

Yang Style Short Form 12: A Gentle Closing Practice for Integration and Calm

Over the past months of teaching Gentle Yoga for Back Care and Chair Tai Chi, I’ve noticed something beautiful happen when we give ourselves just a few extra minutes at the end of class — a chance to integrate what the body has learned.

To support that integration, I’ve begun adding a short Yang Style Tai Chi Short Form 12 practice at the close of both classes. This brief sequence acts like a soft bow to the work we’ve done together — steadying the nervous system, organizing balance, and helping movement settle into the body with ease.

Why End Class with Yang Style Short Form 12?

Whether you’ve been practicing on the mat for back care or seated for Chair Tai Chi, your body has already been exploring:

  • Spinal length and gentle rotation
  • Weight shifting and postural awareness
  • Coordinated upper- and lower-body movement
  • Breath-led pacing and mindful attention

The Short Form 12 brings all of these elements together in a flowing, accessible way. Rather than introducing something abrupt or demanding, it offers continuity — a calm transition from structured learning into embodied understanding.

What Makes the Short Form 12 So Supportive

This Yang Style form was designed to be concise yet complete. In just a few minutes, practitioners experience:

  • Transitional movements that refine balance and coordination
  • Gentle turns and weight shifts that challenge awareness without strain
  • Intentional foot placement (even when adapted for chair practice)
  • Continuous flow that quiets the mind while awakening the body

For many students — especially seniors, Veterans, and absolute beginners — this form offers a sense of accomplishment without overwhelm.

How It Complements Gentle Yoga for Back Care

After yoga-based movements that focus on spinal support, hip mobility, and muscular balance, the Short Form 12:

  • Encourages upright, functional posture
  • Reinforces smooth transitions between movements
  • Helps the nervous system shift from effort into ease
  • Supports the body in carrying new movement patterns into daily life

Think of it as the bridge between therapeutic movement and everyday motion.

How It Enhances Chair Tai Chi Practice

For Chair Tai Chi students, the Short Form 12 is thoughtfully adapted:

  • Movements are simplified while preserving Tai Chi principles
  • Weight shifts become energetic rather than load-bearing
  • Upper-body coordination remains active and expressive
  • Breath, intention, and imagery stay central

This allows seated practitioners to experience the essence of Tai Chi flow — without needing to stand or strain.

A Few Minutes That Make a Big Difference

Adding this short practice at the end of class has consistently resulted in:

  • Greater calm and groundedness
  • Improved balance awareness
  • A clearer sense of completion
  • Students leaving class feeling organized rather than rushed

It’s a reminder that how we finish matters.

Closing Thought

Tai Chi isn’t about memorizing choreography — it’s about learning how to move through life with steadiness, awareness, and grace.

By closing our Gentle Yoga for Back Care and Chair Tai Chi classes with the Yang Style Short Form 12, we give the body and mind a chance to absorb, integrate, and rest into what’s been learned.

A small practice. A quiet ending. A lasting effect.

— Gail Pickens-Barger

Fall Breathing Conference 2025, Rochester, Minnesota

Recalling the second United States Breathing Conference 2025 in Rochester, Minnesota

Reflections from the Second Breathing Conference in Rochester, Minnesota

September 20–27, 2025

What an incredible week of learning, connection, and deep practice. From September 20th to 27th, 2025, I had the honor of attending the Second Breathing Conference in Rochester, Minnesota, where both locals and visitors from across the country gathered to study under two Grand Masters and a visiting instructor from South Korea.

Throughout the week, we explored profound aspects of breath, energy, and awareness – blending traditional wisdom with personal discovery. The atmosphere was alive with curiosity and reverence as practitioners came together to share insights, laughter, and quiet moments of transformation.

In the Instagram posts below, I’ve shared glimpses of my reflections and experiences during those seven days – the moments that inspired me, grounded me, and reminded me of the power of collective practice. Each post captures a different facet of what this conference meant to me: presence, renewal, and the subtle yet powerful flow of Seokmun Hoheup breathing.

I invite you to scroll through, pause where something resonates, and perhaps take a mindful breath with me as you do. 🌿

Supporting Our Veterans Through Movement: My 2025 Fundraiser for Veterans Gratitude Week

I’m excited to share that I’ve officially set up my fundraising page for Veterans Gratitude Week 2025 — and I’d love your support!

Each year, Veterans Yoga Project hosts this special week-long event, bringing together movement teachers from around the world to offer donation-based classes in support of veterans, active duty service members, and their families. It’s the organization’s largest fundraiser of the year, and it’s always an honor to be a part of it.

This year, I’ll be teaching two unique class offerings leading up to and during Veterans Gratitude Week:

🌀 Beginner Yang 12 Short Form Tai Chi – 6-Week Series – Online Class

If you’ve ever wanted to try Tai Chi, this is a great place to start!
This beginner-friendly series introduces you to the fundamentals of the Yang 12 Short Form. It’s gentle, flowing, and perfect for building balance, strength, and mindfulness — no experience needed.

🪑 Seated Chair Tai Chi BALL Qigong – Online Class

This fun and accessible class can be done right from your chair!
We’ll use a small, soft ball (or even a stuffed toy or sports ball) to enhance the practice. Great for all mobility levels, and especially helpful for those looking for a gentle way to connect breath and movement.

These classes are offered by donation, and 100% of the proceeds go directly to the Veterans Yoga Project to support their mission of empowering veterans through mindful resilience-building practices.

How You Can Help:

✅ Join a class
✅ Make a donation
✅ Share the fundraiser with your community

Here’s the link to my official fundraising page:
👉 Gail Pickens-Barger – Veterans Gratitude Week Fundraiser 2025

Whether you join me on the mat (or chair!) or donate to the cause, your support means so much.

Let’s move with purpose, honor our veterans, and give back through gratitude. 💙🇺🇸

#VeteransGratitudeWeek2025 #VeteransYogaProject #TaiChi #ChairTaiChi #Qigong #SupportVeterans #GratitudeInAction #MindfulMovement #Fundraiser

Gail Pickens-Barger Veterans Gratitude Week Fundraiser 2025