Maybe this goes into the 10 day challenge thread (I keep forgetting to snap a picture 😬), but something I've noticed, is this warm (almost "furry") squishiness between my hands in stances like Monkey Holds The Cauldron, Universal Post, or even grounding breaths. It's a little disconcerting sometimes, especially when I'm cold, and that's literally the only place that's warm (I often have cold hands). So, is this indicative of anything else going on with me (the invisible fuzzy ball, not the cold hands)? I feel like this is giving me some sort of feedback.

I'm doing my best to follow along and trust the process (admittedly Winter Break took a lot out of me with all my kids being at home, but that's a different workout). I have some questions about what parts are "engaging" and active, and which parts are relaxed, so if there's a general guideline, that would be really helpful. I come from a Pilates and classical ballet practice where a lot of the "work" comes from isometric engagement of muscles, particularly the quads and core. There is an "active" stance, for example, where quads and glutes are engaged (the tension is in the anticipation, I guess, of turning out) in preparation for something like a plie or squat. The core is always drawn in and active to lend support to the posture and provide stability. So, where and when am I engaging like this (if ever) and how does the concept of Song come into play here? I'm assuming the Song is selective depending on the posture and what body parts are in motion?

I grew up in South Korea and like many East Asian cultures, we follow the Chinese zodiac (12 animals that rotate each year) In 2026, it’s the Year of the Horse… and not just any horse, but a RED ONE🐴 My sign is also the horse, and I know us pretty well. Horses in the zodiac are usually associated with movement, energy, and freedom. They don’t like being stuck. They’re drawn to forward motion, exploration, and self-expression. On the top of that, the color red adds another layer. In Chinese culture, red is everywhere. It’s connected to good luck, life energy, and protection. You see it a lot during Lunar New Year, weddings, and other celebrations. So a "Red Horse" year feels like a mix of movement, momentum, and vitality, encouraging us to keep going, but with heart and intention not just rushing forward. I think this connects really well with our Tai Chi and Qigong practice that we’ve been cultivating here in the community. The other day, when we were shooting content with @Kirby Mannon and @Maya Rodriguez , Sonny said something that really stayed with me: “We have to think about intention rather than expectation.” It lingered with me for days because it made me realize how often (sometimes for years) I’ve been rushing myself and expecting results instead of enjoying the journey itself. So this is my personal intention with this community this year: I want to help create an experience that brings you back to why you started this journey. Because we’re learning how to study these arts, and also study ourselves. Would love to hear yours as well. - “What’s your intention this year?” Thank you as always for your contributions, and HELLO to 2026!! 🧧

A Gentle and Grounded Beginning to the New Year 🌱 January is the perfect time to plant new roots — not through force or pressure, but through steady, consistent practice. Whether you’ve just joined the community or have been practicing with us for quite a while, our live sessions are here to help you create a rhythm that feels supportive, grounding, and sustainable. They are often aligned with the current curriculum, so we really encourage you to join us anytime, in any session you’re available for. No obligations — just an open mind and intention. 🗓 January Live Schedule (except 1/1): 🌿 Every Tuesday & Thursday • Weekly Qi (Qigong) — 8:00 AM • Qi & Flow (Tai Chi) — 8:30 AM 🌿 Every Sunday • Weekly Qi (Qigong) — 9:00 AM • Qi & Flow (Tai Chi) — 9:30 AM ✔️ All times are Pacific Time (PST) ✔️ All sessions are recorded and available in the community classroom ✔️ Live links are in the Calendar tab (and posted a day before) Come as you are. Move gently. Breathe deeply. Let’s begin the year steady, rooted, and mindful✨

Here are our new members who joined the community🎉 @Jitu Davda @Allaya Fleischer @Craig Moran @Aleš Groulik @Susan Phillips @Johanna Versteden @Dorina Naraval @Jorge Castilla @Lauren Klatsky @Michael Rook @Sara Morley @Joan Carlisle @Cynthia Lynch @Tamara Audard @Gerard Uijtendaal @Michael Eckert @Vlasta Lendler-Adamec @Norman Macedo @Andrew Eriksson @Alain Lacombe @Lori Justin @Iz Thompson @Johan Boone @Barbara Roumaya @Christiane Schmidt @Ramsamy Devigan @Mike Minore @Monica Garcia-Salmones @Keven P @Greg Sawyer @David Baranko @Anne Haywood @James Hardy @Victoria Lessa @Susan Dreller Lots of new members stepping into the new year! We’re so happy you’re here with us. Don’t hesitate to drop a quick “hi” (we won’t bite 😄) 💡For our existing members — what’s ONE lesson or insight you’ve gained from this community and our practice that you would like to share?