Submitted by Melissa Wickey

Tai Chi has made me healthy, happy and strong. While earning a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology ten years ago at the University of Hawaii, I began studying and practicing tai chi chuan with tai chi Master Robert Fong and his students. He would say, “move gently, be conscious of what you are doing, but don’t try too hard to be good; don’t think – but do the best that you can. Take it easy and enjoy what you are doing.”

It was a time of intrigue, self-discovery and artistic enrichment. Practicing tai chi is one of the most powerfully formative parts of my life. It has helped balance the relationship between my mind, body and spirit. The best part is that the learning is endless; there is always more depth, more feeling, more understanding to be gleaned.

My affinity and enjoyment of the beauty and profundity of this Chinese martial art led to my enrollment in a four-year master’s program at Honolulu’s Institute for Clinical Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine. This, along with several years as a licensed massage therapist, has enhanced my professional offerings at my newly established Friday Harbor clinic, Wayfinder Wellness, located in the Surina Business Park.

I am excited to begin teaching tai chi and qigong self-healing massage here in the San Juans. I look forward to sharing what I have learned and watching this island community grow in vibrance, and good health. Mahalo and Aloha! For information, visit wayfinderwellness.com.