A nine-year summer tradition has returned to Deep River Landing: The Deep River Rotary Club’s twice a week, hour-long tai chi class runs for eight more weeks.

The Rotary Club sponsors the class, which is free, as a way to get people out and active.

“It’s such a beautiful place, to be there as the sun rises with the breeze blowing—only standing out there you’d feel better,” said Timothy Haut, secretary of the Deep River Rotary Club. “It’s a way to relax and get energy flowing; it’s become a special part of Deep River summers.”

For a club like Rotary, finding an instructor wasn’t a challenge.

“We had a connection to David Shaver, who teaches the class, though one of the Rotary Club members,” said Haut.

Tai chi has been practiced since the 12th century in China as a martial art. Modern practice tends to be more about gentle exercise rooted in constant motion, rather than the martial art, according to Shaver.

Shaver owns and teaches at Peaceful Wolf T’ai Chi Ch’uan in East Haddam. He’s been studying for 30 years, and teaching the practice for 23.

“The class focuses on the health aspect, the spiritual aspect just goes along with it,” said Shaver. “The movement is slow and gentle, almost anyone can do it. In tai chi practice, we talk about how doing the best you can in the moment you are in is doing it correctly. It is about developing continuous movement and breathing.”

That idea of continuity of movement and breathing is what distinguishes tai chi from other practices, such as yoga.

“I love sharing this art. There are so many health, spiritual, and physical benefits, and it can be done by anyone, even from a wheelchair,” said Shaver.

“It’s been very well received,” said Haut. “It can be done by people of all ages. There is no equipment, no ground work. It’s not strenuous, we’ve had people doing it with walkers. David is prepared to deal with everyone from beginners to those who can do more advanced movements.

“Rotary sponsors this because Rotary is about building community. There is a camaraderie that develops when people gather, and are present in nature in this beautiful place together,” continued Haut. “We live in a world with a tremendous amount of anxiety. We need things that center us, connect us to the wellness in the world. We live in the midst of good people, and sometimes we forget that.”

The free classes run Tuesdays and Thursdays at 7 a.m. at Deep River Landing. All ages and abilities are welcome to join; there is no sign up necessary. Those interested are advised to dress for the weather as class is held outdoors, though if it is raining heavily, class will be moved inside the Carriage House at the Deep River Historical Society. More information, including relocation in case of rain, can be found on the Deep River Rotary Club’s Facebook Page.