Unfreezing Hour™ — Release tension, restore flow.
By Nelda Rodillo | Founder of Vintage Vitality™ | Creator of The Unfreezing Hour™
For the month of May, I have the privilege of teaching BS Criminology freshmen at Cavite State University (CvSU) in Indang, Cavite. These classes are part of their PE Martial Arts subject, and Tai Chi serves as a supplement—an introduction to mindful movement, balance, and resilience.
To date, I have taught eight sections of disciplined, eager, curious, and well‑behaved students. Each class runs for two hours, where we:
Warm up and exercise to prepare the body
Flow through the Sun‑Style Tai Chi sequence
Dance a little to loosen up and bring joy into movement
Practice mindfulness exercises to cultivate focus and calm
I am deeply impressed by these young men and women. Most of them had never heard of Tai Chi before, yet they approached each session with openness and eagerness to learn something new. Their discipline, curiosity, and respect reflect the qualities that will serve them well in their future careers.
The PE teachers, staff, and the Dean of the College of Criminal Justice have been nothing short of inspiring. They are warm, supportive, and genuinely caring toward their students. Their openness to integrating Tai Chi into the curriculum shows a commitment to holistic education—developing not only physical strength but also mental resilience.
Cavite State University plays a vital role in shaping the next generation of public servants—future police officers, investigators, and protectors of society. These students will one day face high‑stress environments where composure, clarity, and resilience are essential.
Tai Chi offers them:
Stress management: Techniques to release tension and stay grounded under pressure.
Mind‑body awareness: Improved balance, coordination, and focus.
Resilience training: The ability to recover quickly from physical and emotional strain.
Mindfulness practice: Cultivating calm and clarity in decision‑making.
Teaching at Cavite State University has been a great experience for me. It is heartening to see the eagerness of each student and the openness of the faculty to embrace something different. Though my time here is short—I will be returning to Canada at the end of May—the impact of these sessions will continue.
For the students, Tai Chi is more than just a supplement to their PE Martial Arts subject. It is a tool they can carry into their future careers, helping them serve with strength, balance, and dignity. For me, it is a reminder that Vintage Vitality™ thrives wherever there is openness to learn, move, and grow.
Gentle Tai Chi, Shared Joy: A Morning of Movement and Connection in Cavite
Gentle Tai Chi for Resilience and Calm
Preparedness Meets Presence: Tai Chi Easy with DOST-Cavite Scholars
The Unfreezing Hour™ by Vintage Vitality™
Gentle Tai Chi for Stress & Resilience at Cavite State University
Ready to explore more gentle pathways? Return to the Start Here page and discover other ways to move, reflect, and reconnect at your own pace.
Resilience Through Movement (Life Applications)
Nelda Rodillo is a Certified Instructor in Tai Chi for Arthritis and Fall Prevention and a 200-hour Certified Yoga Teacher (YTT-200). She is the founder of Vintage Vitality™, a philosophy and practice dedicated to helping adults 50+ move mindfully, age gracefully, and live with strength, creativity, and purpose. Through her work in long-term care and community programs, Nelda inspires individuals to embrace movement, mindfulness, and joyful connection at every stage of life.
She believes that movement, breath, and creativity can help us age with dignity, strength, and quiet joy.
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