From Searching to Being Sought: How Tai Chi is Growing in My Community 

The Journey from Toronto to a Small Town

When my family and I moved from Toronto in 2013, we entered a very small town where opportunities for wellness were not as open or readily available as in the city. In those early years, I would drive to Toronto, Mississauga, Orangeville, Cambridge, and Fergus just to practice Tai Chi whenever I saw a class being offered.

It was actually those long drives and the difficulty of finding classes that inspired me to train and get certified in Tai Chi myself. I wanted to bring this practice closer to people in smaller communities who, like me, were seeking ways to move mindfully and improve their wellbeing.

The Challenges of Establishing Myself

Starting out was not easy. Small communities don’t always have established wellness networks, and creating trust and visibility takes time. To sustain myself while building my presence in wellness, I worked in organizations outside the wellness field — balancing survival with my passion for Tai Chi.

It was a slow process, often requiring persistence, patience, and a lot of personal energy. Back then, I would search for spaces, classes, and opportunities, often hitting dead ends. It sometimes felt like I was pushing against the current.

Collaborations Formed

Over the years, as I practiced and shared Tai Chi just to a handful of people, collaborations started forming organically. These include:

• Seniors’ Centre for Excellence – offering Tai Chi as part of community wellness initiatives.

• Building Bridges Adult Program – a program where I primarily teach yoga, with Tai Chi added as a complementary practice.
  
  

These partnerships helped me establish a foundation and connect with people who were curious about mindful movement, creating trust and visibility in the community.

A Shift in the Community

Today, there’s been a huge difference. People in my community are curious, excited, and engaging. Word-of-mouth is powerful: students share their experiences with friends, and suddenly, spaces are being offered to me instead of the other way around.

• A martial arts kwoon has opened its doors.

• A spacious backyard from a wellness practitioner in Fergus is available.

• A space near Fordwich has been offered for introductory classes.
  
  

I am no longer searching for opportunities — they are coming to me.

Why This Matters

This shift is more than convenience. It reflects a real change in the community’s openness to wellness and Tai Chi. People are ready to try new things, and the energy is palpable. It also reminds me that persistence, patience, and sharing your practice authentically can gradually create spaces for growth — both for yourself and for your students.

Gratitude for the Community

I’m incredibly grateful for this journey: the students who practice with me, the organizations that opened their doors, and the friends who spread the word. It’s a reminder that when you plant seeds with care, they grow — sometimes in ways you couldn’t have imagined.

Takeaway:
If you’re in a small community and looking to share wellness, don’t underestimate word-of-mouth, patience, and collaborations. Opportunities may start slowly, but when the community is ready, the doors will open.