An instructor and students from the Hoppers Crossing Centre share why they do Tai Chi and Qigong.
Practicing Tai Chi and Qigong
My day starts with breakfast, meditation and practicing my Tai Chi and Qigong exercises. Sometimes “life” gets in the way, and I cannot fit this routine in, but most days I will make the effort to ensure I can have this start to my day. This year has been a challenging one for me and my family, so my Tai Chi practice has been even more important in keeping me calm and strong enough to deal with everything.
Regular practice is essential for so many reasons. Your balance and your memory of the routines will improve. Individual steps in each level or Qigong exercise become easier to perform. Continual practice enables the benefits of Tai Chi to flow; the body relaxes, energy flows to where it is needed and the mind centres and becomes calm.
Our Hoppers Crossing class is made up of a wonderful group of people, all seeking the physical and social benefits that Tai Chi has to offer. From our beginners to the long-standing members of the class; all are willing to help each other and learn from one another. The class is usually inside on a Thursday evening, but recently we had a makeup class outside on a Saturday morning. It was beautiful to hear the birds and feel the fresh air on our faces. The energy that flowed during that class was amazing and everyone was invigorated by the experience.
Practice whenever you can. If you cannot find a big portion of time to set aside, you can still break up your practice into short bursts throughout the day. Just ensure you enjoy the benefits of your practice regularly!
Rita Sullivan
Instructor, Hoppers Crossing Centre
My World of Tai Chi
It is Thursday morning, and I have awoken with excitement. Today is Tai Chi night. Although I practise Tai chi and Qigong routines every day, it is nothing like doing it on a Thursday night with our group. Tai Chi is a great form of exercise, bringing strength and balance to both body and mind.
On Thursday night there is wonderful sense of camaraderie within the group. We all take great joy in seeing somebody do something that they couldn't do a few weeks ago and we feel pride in ourselves in being able to achieve something that we could not do previously. When we all move as one as we quietly do a routine, the room is filled this calm restorative energy.
Thank you to Celestial College, thank you to our Instructor Rita Sullivan and thank you to all members for bringing Tai Chi into my world.
Gillian Barker
Student, Hoppers Crossing Centre
My Love of Tai Chi
Since joining classes at the beginning of 2025, I have fallen in love with Tai Chi.
I eagerly await Thursday night at 7.30 pm, filled with respect and gratitude as Tai Chi has brought so many good things into my life.
Our teacher Instructor Rita Sullivan moves like a graceful white crane. She teaches with precision and a groundedness that one cannot help but emulate.
For the hour of class, I am present and humble, grateful and peaceful.
It is a divine practice that brings out the best in me.
The connectedness in the class - with each of the participants, is a beautiful thing and we genuinely care for each other.
There is never any judgement in the room, everyone is accepted and encouraged to work at their own pace.
Tai Chi soothes my body and stabilises my mind.
It nurtures me, it challenges me. It teaches me about myself.
I’m so happy I have fallen in love with this spiritual heartfelt practice.
Kaarin Fairfax
Student, Hoppers Crossing Centre
My Transformative Experience with Tai Chi
Finding Tai Chi has been one of the most wonderful and transformative experiences of my life. I'm especially grateful to have met Instructors Rita and Graham Sullivan, whose dedication goes far beyond teaching. Their passion, support, and commitment to keeping our lovely Tai Chi team connected have made a lasting impact.
Since I began practicing Tai Chi, I’ve witnessed a remarkable transformation in both my physical and mental well-being. It has helped me regain strength, flexibility, and freedom of movement - qualities I had lost over the years of neglecting physical activity. More importantly, Tai Chi has become my sanctuary when life and work pressures start to mount. Its calming, grounding effect has played a vital role in restoring my inner balance.
I’ve always sought a form of meditation that could help me grow stronger, inside and out. Through Tai Chi and Qigong, I’ve discovered the most powerful and accessible forms of active meditation I’ve ever practiced - and I couldn’t be more grateful for the journey.
Amy Biagooi
Student, Hoppers Crossing Centre
Updated: 24 June 2025
