My Guest Blogger, Evan Deley.

 Tai Chi changed my life

A little over three months ago, I was dealing with some health issues. I have always been somewhat healthy but life got in the way and I was having trouble dealing with things. I went to my doctor and was told my blood pressure was extremely high 177/88 and my cholesterol was high as well. My doctor told me I needed to make some life changes or it was going to get a lot worse for me.

I decided to make some life changes and one of them was beginning a journey with Tai Chi. I live in Winnipeg, Manitoba in Canada and I was finding it very difficult to find a teacher who taught the form I wanted to learn.

My mother was a student of Ray Hayward a long time ago and she was certified by him to teach the Yang Style 150 posture long form. I am lucky enough to know Ray so I reached out to him and he took the time to talk to me and encourage me that Tai Chi and Meditation would help me. I know he is semi retired now, so I decided to ask my mom. She has not taught Tai Chi for a long time but she decided to teach me.

I started taking private lessons from her once a week and I was hooked. I was totally addicted, I cannot get enough of it. I have been reading every book I can get my hands on, following Ray Haywards Inspired Teacher blog, Patreon, and YouTube channel and I practice every single day. I am into the second section now, and I practice the form numerous times a day, and practice Qi Gong, and Standing Meditation. This has made a massive change in my life.

I had an appointment today for a three month check up on my progress, my doctor almost fell off her chair when she took my blood pressure and it was 118/72. Then she checked my blood work and was amazed to see that every single indicator had dropped, my cholesterol had dropped, my sugars had dropped, literally every single thing she tested for had dropped. She asked me what I have been doing to get such great results and I told her I do Tai Chi every single day and I feel better than I can ever remember. I have no stress, I don't worry about things anymore, I don't get nervous, and my heart rate is under 70. My body always feels calm and relaxed.

She told me she was amazed and quite frankly she was speechless when I told her it was due to Tai Chi practice.

Tai Chi has changed my life and it can change yours too, I am so excited to continue learning and growing in my practice.

Thank you Ray for letting me share this story with you and for supporting me in my journey.

Evan Deley