Want to release some stress this summer? Asia Society’s Tai Chi classes with Henderson Smith exercise both the mind and body using a practice that anyone can enjoy and benefit from.

Students may choose the beginner course in Wu Dang Mountain 18 form Tai Chi, or the level 2 class in advanced Wu Dang Tai Chi. (Level 2 is appropriate for students who have completed one or more of the Level 1 courses, or have past Tai Chi experience.) In a practice that Harvard Health Publishing refers to as “medication in motion,” courses will provide a basic introduction to the value of Tai Chi for its 21st century practical applications to reduce stress and improve your health. Delivered with a focus on movement, mindfulness and the power of breath, students will develop the foundation for a set of skills that will empower you to cultivate wellbeing at home, at work and at play for the rest of your life.

Each class will begin with Meditation and Qigong to establish an aware, centered state from which to learn Tai Chi in three parts, with a beginning, middle, and end. Students are encouraged to develop organically at their own pace, embrace their own unique considerations and evolve in the capacity to better manage the thinking, feeling and doing that influences every

day of our lives. Unlike traditional exercise, Tai Chi relies on the internal power of Qi (Chi) with flowing, circular motions that have the ability to rejuvenate you rather than exhaust you from the practice. Students will find that Tai Chi is the perfect way to end a busy stressful day.

Tai Chi will train your mind to focus and direct the internal powerful energy of Qi. The movements are performed slowly with mindful intention on expressing this energy through the body to improve your strength, balance, flexibility and range of motion. The resulting influence is a scientifically effective therapy to strengthen the immune, digestive, circulatory, skeletal, neurology, and muscular systems of the body. Each class will end with a brief meditation, questions, and discussion of that day’s experience.

About the Instructor 

Henderson Smith is the Founder of Living Well Therapies and specializes in teaching Qigong and Tai Chi as the exploration of applied physical, mental and energetic self-mastery. He began the exploration of Qi (breath or energy) as a medium for healing and maximizing power with Sei Bu Do Martial Arts, under Grand Master Dr. Donald Swansey where he earned a 2nd Degree Black Belt. Henderson continued his study of Qigong as a system of self-care and self-control earning a 350 hour Professional Certification with the (NQA) and a 200 hour Teacher Certification with the (IIQTC) under Dr. Roger Jahnke. Henderson recently earned advanced teacher certification as a Sr. Trainer with the (IIQTC) and served as Lead Assistant on a 2013 trip to China where he studied under 17th Generation Master Zhou Jin Bo. Henderson is currently studying under Master Shi Xing Hao of the Shaolin Kung Fu Academy in Houston, TX.

With a BS in Management and Marketing, 20 years of experience in the insurance and employee benefits business and a clear correlation between medical claims and the habits that drive them, Henderson formed Living Well Therapies in 2007. Founded on the understanding that each individual has the unique responsibility for managing him or her SELF, Henderson is committed to holistic wellness solutions that harness the power of our potential to exercise conscious control of SELF; (our thinking, feeling & doing).

With a 7 year track record of improving pre to post program (SEA) Self Evaluation Assessments, Henderson’s unique approach to wellness is fast becoming a sought after asset for innovative companies seeking a competitive advantage through wellness programs that positively moves the needle on behavior and self-responsibility.

Henderson is a founding member of the board of directors for the former Houston Wellness Association. He is also a Sr. Fellow with the American Leadership Forum (ALF), graduating in 2013 from Medical Class 5 with a focus on “Disruptive Innovation” applied to improving the health care system. Henderson is also a graduate of the United Ways Project Blue Print and Leadership Houston. He has been privileged to sit on the Board of the Park People and designed a nationally endorsed benefits package for the United Way of America and its agencies.

For more information about Living Well Therapies visit http://livingwelltherapies.net/

Program Sponsor