Tai Chi is so beautiful, and it looks even better out in nature—especially with this amazing fall weather! With the leaves changing colors and the air feeling nice and cool, it’s the perfect time to step outside and practice. Take a deep breath, enjoy the fresh air, and soak in the beauty around you as you flow through your movements.
I am sure a picture of this movement flow will glow in your memory. I would like to share some classic Tai Chi poses that are picture-perfect, and I hope they inspire your Tai Chi practice in nature and spark creative photo ideas during your travels.
First idea that came into my mind is to ‘Stand on One Leg’ position. It is always fun challenging your single-leg balance! It is said that the longer you can hold this posture, the younger you are physically—making it a picture-perfect and video-worthy pose. For a bit more excitement, try recording a friendly competition with your travel group to see who can hold it the longest. It’s a great way to bring a playful spirit to your practice and create lasting memories. I’m still working on improving my balance so I can outlast my kids!
If you’re on a long road trip and make a stop, it can be both beneficial and beautiful to stretch your legs by posing in a ‘low posture.’ This stance not only helps relieve stiffness from sitting but also makes for a striking photo against natural scenery. My kids love the challenge of trying it on rocks, turning a simple rest stop into a fun and memorable moment of play and practice!
As we discussed in the hand form class, the ‘Single Whip’ posture is quite popular and visually striking. I love this picture of the unknown gentleman by the bridge and the water. The arc bridge in the background, surrounded by vibrant fall foliage, pairs beautifully with the refined stance of his pose. It embodies a sense of calm strength, perfectly capturing the essence of the moment.
I posed in Louisiana’s unique autumn landscape last fall. The cypress trees, draped in Spanish moss and surrounded by reflective waters, created a mystical backdrop. The fall hues—muted oranges, deep reds, and golden browns—blended seamlessly with the tranquil rhythm of Tai Chi. In this special place, the connection between movement and nature felt instinctive, as if the lake itself breathed with each flowing gesture.
The pose ‘White Crane Spreads Its Wings’ is a beginner friendly posture, Embodying grace and effortless beauty, perfectly matching the tranquility of any peaceful natural setting.
Since white cranes are often seen near water, this posture takes on added nature taste when practiced in such settings. My favorite outdoor practice in Louisiana – LSU Hilltop Arboretum is in such a place. The gentle spreading of the arms mirrors the crane’s wings, creating a visual harmony that resonates with the tranquil surroundings. In those moments, it feels as if the practitioner and nature are moving as one.
Postures like ‘Parting the Wild Horse’s Mane’ and ‘Brush Knee and Push’ are both simple and elegant. Capturing these poses from a back view allows for privacy by keeping your face out of the frame. If you practice by the sea, you can even synchronize your Tai Chi movements with the rhythm of the tides, creating a beautifully harmonious experience. It’s a wonderful and enjoyable way to connect with nature while enhancing your practice.
Last but not least are the leg-kicking forms, such as the ‘Left Toe Kick’ or ‘Right Heel Kick.’ Strike a pose in one of your strongest kicks. These forms not only demonstrate the strength and agility you’ve developed through Tai Chi but also present an exciting challenge for your photographer. See if they can capture the perfect shot of your highest kick! I kicked a thousand times to finally get one high kick captured when my skills weren’t as sharp as they are today. It was a lot of fun collaborating with my personal photographer, turning our practice sessions into memorable moments!
I sometimes take my sword along during my travels to practice in the morning light and at sunset’s glow. I truly appreciate my photographers captured these special moments. As I progress in my Tai Chi performance, these historic snapshots become valuable self-clinic resouces, witnessed my journey and growth.
I’ve noticed that when famous Tai Chi masters mimic incorrect postures in their instructions, their movements appear so unnatural, as they’ve lost the ability to perform incorrectly:). In contrast, my earlier postures, which now seem quite wrong to me, genuinely reflected the mistakes any true beginner might make. Now, these pictures and videos serve as valuable guides for my Tai Chi friends, helping others avoid the same mistakes I encountered along my teaching journey.
I truly feel delighted whenever I receive practicing photos during travel from my Tai Chi friends. These snapshots not only capture your dedication but also encourage me for continuing offering my free classes to meet with more great minds. I’d love for you to share your experiences with our community! Together, we can inspire one another and grow in our Tai Chi journey!
photos by Yao Zeng and Shawn Man
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