Weekly Flow Tai Chi Aims to Improve Mental Wellness

Tanya MacIntyre instructing her weekly Flow Tai Chi class at Goderich Martial Arts.

Weekly drop-in Flow Tai Chi focuses on breathwork and living in the present moment.

Red Roof Recovery (RRR) founder Tanya MacIntyre is hosting drop-in Flow Tai Chi classes at Goderich Martial Arts every Monday from 12 p.m. to 12:30 p.m.

MacIntyre, a certified Tai Chi instructor, also trains with the Mental Health Fitness Alliance, a division of Red Roof Recovery. Drop-in sessions are $10.

MacIntyre said that the classes are a movement meditation that focuses on breathwork and gentle rhythmic movements. The exercise is aimed at relaxing the mind and body. 

“It helps with my back issues and carpal tunnel syndrome, and it’s a great form of exercise without feeling like exercise,” said MacIntyre. 

“We as humans have been programmed to provide and perform. We’re always told to go, go, go and win at any cost, constantly moving forward. For me, Flow Tai Chi and mindfulness help me stay in the present moment. A lot of our suffering comes from ruminating on the past, and a future that doesn't exist yet.” 

MacIntyre said that mindful breathing is something that people don’t do enough.

There are many benefits that people can gain from practicing breathwork, such as reducing stress and improving anxiety. 

“For me personally, the emotional benefits of breathwork are countless,” she said. “It provides inner peace and calmness. I don’t react to things anymore,” said MacIntyre.

“Taking a moment to respond instead of react changes everything.”

Red Roof Recovery is a personalized program for individual who wish to improve their mental health or address substance challenges.

Participants move into MacIntyre’s residence and dedicate 12 hours a day to a personalized program for a week. A participant receives their own apartment and food accommodations. 

“With the Mental Health Fitness Alliance, I started a training division so I can bring these tools to the community at large,” said MacIntyre.

“Hopefully, we can prevent mental health addictions by learning from these tools early, before they manifest further. I started it with the intent that it would be an alliance of like-minded people.” 

On Jan. 13, a Mid-Winter Wellness Gathering for women will be held at Goderich Martial Arts from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The event will feature Flow Tai Chi, meditation, journaling, tea and reflection.