TAI CHI IN BROOKLYN
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The Story Behind This Video
This video was filmed in beautiful Owls Head Park in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, overlooking Upper New York Harbor. While the location is memorable, the story behind this video is what makes it especially meaningful to me.
I originally created this blog post many years ago, but every time I watch this video, it brings back memories of a very important day in my life.
At the time, I was going through a difficult divorce. It was one of the hardest periods I had ever experienced, and I often drove to Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, to spend time with my cousins. Those visits always made me feel better.
One of my favorite parts of the drive was traveling along the Belt Parkway as I approached the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge. I'd put on "More Than a Woman" by the Bee Gees, a song that always reminded me of one of my favorite movies, Saturday Night Fever. There was something about driving by the bridge with that song playing that gave me a wonderful feeling. During difficult times, we often hold on to the little things that bring us peace, and that drive became one of them. Even today, whenever I drive by the bridge, I play that song, and it brings back wonderful memories. I was born in Brooklyn and spent much of my youth there, so returning always feels like coming home.
Those visits meant more to me than my cousins probably realized. We would spend hours talking about life, and somehow those conversations always helped me find a little more strength and perspective. I often refer to them as "the cavalry" because, during one of the most difficult times in my life, they were always there when I needed them most.
My cousins also knew how to make me feel welcome. They would treat me to ice cream whenever I visited. As someone who has always been interested in health and nutrition, that simple treat became something I genuinely looked forward to. It may seem like a small thing, but during difficult times, small acts of kindness can mean more than words.
One afternoon, my cousin and I decided to take a walk through Owls Head Park. We often walked there because being outdoors among the trees helped me slow down, clear my mind, and enjoy a sense of peace and tranquility. I know my cousin appreciated the peaceful setting as well. If you've ever visited the park, you know it offers a beautiful view of Upper New York Harbor. On that particular day, the weather was unusually warm for the time of year. Since I'm not the biggest fan of cold weather, it felt like nature had given us an unexpected gift.
While we were there, I asked my cousin if she would film me practicing my Yang-style Tai Chi form. Without hesitation, she agreed. I chose a spot that I thought would be quiet and secluded. Holding a phone perfectly still for more than twelve minutes isn't easy, but somehow she managed to do it. To this day, I still don't know how she remained so steady for the entire form.
Ironically, almost as soon as I began practicing, people started walking by, some passing only a few feet away, as you'll see in the video.
As I practiced, my mind was filled with questions. Would I make a mistake? What would people think? Was my Tai Chi good enough to inspire someone else to begin their own Tai Chi journey?
I think these thoughts are perfectly natural when you first begin practicing Tai Chi outdoors in front of other people. In many ways, it's valuable training because it teaches you to stay focused even when your mind is being pulled in other directions. Eventually, those thoughts begin to fade, and your attention returns completely to the practice itself.
When I finished, those worries disappeared. Watching the completed video, I felt proud—not because I believed my Tai Chi was perfect, but because it captured an important moment in my journey. Looking back, I think part of that feeling came from my cousin's encouragement. Her enthusiasm and kind words made the day even more memorable.
Today, I realize this video is about much more than practicing Tai Chi in a Brooklyn park. It reminds me of the love, encouragement, and support my cousins gave me during one of the most difficult chapters of my life. It reminds me of finding peace through Tai Chi, meaningful conversations, and the simple joy of spending time with family.
Looking back, I don't remember that day because I performed a good Tai Chi form. I remember it because it reminds me how fortunate I was to have family who loved me, encouraged me, and helped me through a difficult time.
The video preserved my Tai Chi form, but more importantly, it preserved a memory that I'll always treasure.
The soothing Tai Chi music in the background of the Tai Chi video is from the CD Relaxing Orient. The song is called Jade Forest. It is one of my favorites to accompany me when I practice Tai Chi daily.
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