Seated Tai Chi: Awakening Stillness and Wellbeing training begins Jan 26th
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The course:
Meet Seated Tai Chi instructor Dr. Gary Irwin-Kenyon! Dr. Irwin Kenyon is a renowned gerontologist, author, and educator whose work explores the deep connections between aging, meaning, and personal narrative. |
Stillness as Strategy: Transforming Long-Term Care from the Inside Out
Incorporating stillness into long-term care isn’t just about creating moments of peace—it’s about reshaping the culture of care. Facilities that embrace practices like mindfulness, intentional silence, and reflective presence often see powerful operational outcomes:
Incorporating stillness into long-term care isn’t just about creating moments of peace—it’s about reshaping the culture of care. Facilities that embrace practices like mindfulness, intentional silence, and reflective presence often see powerful operational outcomes:
- Improved Staff Wellbeing. Regular stillness practices can reduce burnout and enhances emotional resilience.
- Enhanced Resident Engagement. When staff are grounded and present, residents feel more seen, heard, and valued.
- Better Team Communication. Stillness cultivates active listening and thoughtful response, which can reduce conflict and improve collaboration.
- Increased Retention: A calm, supportive environment helps staff feel connected to their purpose, boosting morale and long-term commitment.
- More Person-Centred Care: Slowing down allows caregivers to tune into individual needs, preferences, and rhythms—aligning with best practices in dementia and elder care.
Join Dr. Gary Irwin-Kenyon, professor, storyteller, and author with a deep curiosity about how we live well, and Vicki Hogarth, award-winning journalist and community connector, as they explore the big questions, the quiet moments, and everything in between.
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EPISODE #1
Host Dr. Gary Irwin-Kenyon introduces viewers to the practice of stillness, and how it can transform the way we think of aging, death, and loss. Gary answers viewers' questions, and leads viewers through a tai chi exercise. |
EPISODE #2
Host Dr. Gary Irwin-Kenyon and co-host Vicki Hogarth discuss the complexities of aging and the benefits of practicing stillness on an all-new Pathways to Stillness on CHCO-TV. |
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EPISODE #3
Chronological age doesn't fully define a person. Dr. Kenyon explains the difference between chronological, functional and subjective aging, noting that we experience aging differently. |
EPISODE #4
The theme of today's show is how the journey of aging and life transitions are about changes on all levels. |
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EPISODE #5
Explore how the practice of stillness can transform the way we see aging, death and loss and how it can help us understand our lives as a story. |
EPISODE #6
Learn how stillness practices like mindfulness and Tai Chi help reframe aging, loss, and life transitions, revealing new insights and healing through life’s story. |
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EPISODE #7
Stillness helps reframe aging and life transitions. While the show explores serious topics, it's ultimately about living fully. They revisit a viewer exercise about finding new passions, places, or people that bring meaning to life, and reflect on how life can be reshaped at any stage. |
EPISODE #8
This conversation highlights the value of stillness and mindfulness—like meditation, Tai Chi, yoga, or prayer—for busy minds. Dr. Gary Irwin-Kenyon stresses that the practice doesn’t need to be perfect; short, flexible moments count. |
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EPISODE #9
The episode focuses on grief, discussing the well-known Kubler-Ross stages (denial, anger, bargaining, depression, acceptance), with a newer sixth stage: finding meaning. Gary emphasizes that these are not linear steps but themes that people may move in and out of. Grief, like stillness, is deeply personal and often intertwined with past and future thoughts, making it hard to stay present. |
EPISODE #10
In this milestone episode, Dr. Gary Irwin-Kenyon reflects on how viewing life as a journey or story can help us find meaning—especially in aging, loss, and uncertainty. Viewers share how this perspective has helped them reframe challenges, recognize personal growth, and embrace new chapters with purpose. The episode explores key aspects of the life journey: it's personal, shared, unpredictable, and ever-changing. |
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EPISODE #11
The episode opens with viewer responses to an exercise asking for metaphors describing their life journey. Examples included: a patchwork quilt, a canoe trip, a garden in progress, a spiral staircase, and a lighthouse in the fog—each reflecting the ups and downs of personal growth, loss, and resilience. The discussion then deepens into the origins and philosophy of Tai Chi, rooted in Daoism and the concept of yin and yang—the balance of opposing energies (e.g., strength vs. softness). |
EPISODE #12
In this episode of Pathways to Stillness, Dr. Gary Irwin Kenyon explores self-care, caregiving, and “narrative care” - the idea that every person has a story and caregiving means both telling and listening. He highlights the need for caregivers to balance others’ needs with their own, showing through examples how compassion, shared storytelling, and care partnering can bring meaning, balance, and resilience to both caregivers and those they support. |
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EPISODE #13
In this episode of Pathways to Stillness, Dr. Gary Irwin Kenyon and Vicky Hoggarth explore caregiving as a shared story, where presence, creativity, and compassion deepen connections. They highlight the need for caregivers to find balance and stillness to avoid burnout, and close with a guided Tai Chi practice while introducing grief as the next theme. |
EPISODE #14
In this episode of Pathways to Stillness, Dr. Gary Irwin Kenyon and Vicky Hoggarth discuss grief in its many forms and how each experience is unique. They emphasize the importance of listening, community support, and stillness practices like Tai Chi in navigating loss, and close with a calming Tai Chi exercise while inviting viewers to share their own stories. |
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EPISODE #15
In this episode of Pathways to Stillness, Dr. Gary Irwin Kenyon and Vicky Hoggarth share viewer stories of loss and resilience, noting that grief is personal, timeless, and takes many forms. They highlight the value of storytelling, support, and stillness in navigating grief, and close with a simple Tai Chi practice. |
EPISODE #16
Exploring grief, including anticipatory grief, widowhood, and how faith, humor, and community support shape the journey. They emphasize that grief is deeply personal but also social, and that finding stillness, sharing stories, and connecting with others can bring hope and new meaning. |
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EPISODE #17
The episode reflects on the “unlived life,” exploring how choices, sacrifices, and unexpected turns shape who we become, using personal stories and audience reflections to show that paths not taken can hold both loss and gratitude. This leads into a discussion of loneliness—not simply being alone, but a deeper experience often tied to change, grief, or transition, and how sitting with it, rather than avoiding it, can transform loneliness into solitude, insight, and personal growth. |
EPISODE #18
In this episode, Gary and co-host Vicky continue their conversation on loneliness, exploring how practices of stillness—such as breathing, meditation, Tai Chi, creativity, volunteering, and quiet presence—can help transform loneliness into a sense of belonging, meaning, and inner peace, especially during periods of loss, aging, or transition. |
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EPISODE #19
In this episode, Gary and Vicky continue their thoughtful exploration of loneliness, highlighting how volunteering, creativity, listening to others’ stories, and simple human connection can restore a sense of belonging, while also introducing a deeper conversation about death as an essential part of life’s journey—one that, when acknowledged with curiosity and stillness, can bring greater meaning, compassion, and peace |
EPISODE #20
In this episode, Gary and Vicky are joined by Dr. Bill Randall, a pioneer in narrative gerontology, for a deep and reflective conversation on aging as an adventure—one that unfolds outward, backward, inward, and forward—inviting curiosity, stillness, storytelling, and a more compassionate understanding of aging, death, and the meaning we make of our lives. |
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EPISODE #21
In this episode, Gary and Vicky reflect on aging as a meaningful journey rather than something to fear, revisiting insights from Dr. Bill Randall’s work and exploring how stillness, storytelling, and openness to loss and death can deepen appreciation for life, connection, and the continuing bonds we hold with those we love, even as we grow older. |
EPISODE #22
In this episode, Gary and Vicky reflect on community-shared euphemisms for death and the comfort they offer, while exploring how stillness, storytelling, and Tai Chi can help people face grief, aging, and uncertainty with greater calm, balance, and compassion, inviting viewers to see life as a meaningful journey shaped by presence rather than fear. |
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EPISODE #23
In this episode Gary and Vicky focus on the physical, cognitive, and emotional benefits of Tai Chi, exploring how gentle movement, breath, and attention can reduce stress, improve balance and well-being, and cultivate inner calm, before guiding viewers through simple seated Tai Chi movements that can be practiced at home as a short, accessible routine for everyday stillness. |
EPISODE #24
In this Christmas special of Pathways to Stillness, Gary and Vicky explore how grief and loss can feel intensified during the holidays, reflecting on community stories, cultural expectations, and personal memories to show how simplifying traditions, sharing stories, offering compassion, and allowing space for stillness can help people navigate the season with greater gentleness, meaning, and connection. |
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EPISODE #25
In this follow-up holiday episode of Pathways to Stillness, Gary and Vicky continue their reflective conversation on grief at Christmas, exploring how storytelling, humour, community connection, scaled-back traditions, and personal meaning can help people move gently through loss, honour loved ones, and find moments of peace and stillness during an emotionally complex season |
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Southwest Magazine: "Pathways to Stillness" author Gary Irwin-Kenyon
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Dr. Gary Irwin-Kenyon, Tai Chi instructor and author of "Pathways to Stillness", sits down with CHCO's Vicki Hogarth to talk about the importance of finding calm and stillness, and how anyone can use the art of Tai Chi to practice mindfulness in an often busy and hectic life.
Southwest Magazine is an original CHCO Television production taped on location at the CHCO-TV studio in Saint Andrews, New Brunswick, Canada. |
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Seated Tai Chi: Awakening Stillness and Well-being
Register now to attend a unique continuing education course to train therapeutic activity professionals in long-term care to guide seated tai chi sessions for people in their care.
Course Summary
Tai Chi can bring us to a quiet center in our being. It is as though our ailments disappear during the Tai Chi session. While the movements you learn are significant in this process, creating a stillness environment is equally crucial.
During the course, you will learn how to guide seated Tai Chi sessions for people in your care. Prior knowledge of Tai Chi is not needed. Ideally, your main commitment is to practice the movements yourself every day from the point at which to start the course. With practice, both you and the people who participate in the seated Tai Chi sessions will experience less anxiety, increased relaxation, and feelings of well-being.
People facing cognitive decline may also experience enhanced memory ability and/or postponement of symptoms. Physical outcomes may occur such as less pain, lower blood pressure, and better sleep. These benefits may extend to reduced stress and more focus on life balance. The course is suitable for therapeutic activity professionals, working in memory care settings, who would like to add a new dimension to their work. Nurses working in rehabilitation settings also benefit from the course.
Course Summary
Tai Chi can bring us to a quiet center in our being. It is as though our ailments disappear during the Tai Chi session. While the movements you learn are significant in this process, creating a stillness environment is equally crucial.
During the course, you will learn how to guide seated Tai Chi sessions for people in your care. Prior knowledge of Tai Chi is not needed. Ideally, your main commitment is to practice the movements yourself every day from the point at which to start the course. With practice, both you and the people who participate in the seated Tai Chi sessions will experience less anxiety, increased relaxation, and feelings of well-being.
People facing cognitive decline may also experience enhanced memory ability and/or postponement of symptoms. Physical outcomes may occur such as less pain, lower blood pressure, and better sleep. These benefits may extend to reduced stress and more focus on life balance. The course is suitable for therapeutic activity professionals, working in memory care settings, who would like to add a new dimension to their work. Nurses working in rehabilitation settings also benefit from the course.
The entire course is available via an online education platform. The live interactive sessions are delivered using Zoom. These sessions are recorded and made available to you. There is a course handbook and you are welcome to reach out to the course instructor with specific questions. This course is $549.00 + HST. In New Brunswick, 50% is reimbursed through workplace training grants. We can support your organization to apply for the grant.
Three-part Program
January 9, 2024 - February 5, 2024 - Self-paced learning
The first part of the course is comprised of on-demand videos which can be followed at your own pace. We recommend that you practice the movements shared in these on-demand videos each day for a minimum of two full weeks before the interactive part of the course begins. This means you start following the on-demand lessons by January 23, 2024.
The first part of the course is comprised of on-demand videos which can be followed at your own pace. We recommend that you practice the movements shared in these on-demand videos each day for a minimum of two full weeks before the interactive part of the course begins. This means you start following the on-demand lessons by January 23, 2024.
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February 6 - March 5 - Each Tuesday, 09:00-09:40 AST - Weekly live interactive Zoom sessions
The second portion of the course involves five -40-minute interactive sessions, spread over five weeks. During these sessions, you receive feedback to help you feel more comfortable performing the tai chi movements, work out how to organize sessions for people in your care and begin to guide sessions on your own. |
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April 2 - June 4 - First Tuesday of each month at 09:00-09:40 AST - Monthly Zoom check-ins
In the final part of the course, participants share and learn together based on the knowledge being acquired from running the seated Tai Chi programs at your homes.
In the final part of the course, participants share and learn together based on the knowledge being acquired from running the seated Tai Chi programs at your homes.
Exploring the Transformative Power of Stillness in Dementia Care
Click here to listen on Apple Podcasts
Imagine if through the practice of stillness, we could unlock a deeper sense of calm and peace, not just for ourselves, but also for people living with dementia. Professor Dr. Gary Irwin-Kenyon, our special guest for today, shares his incredible journey finding tranquility through martial arts and Tai Chi, and how these methods can bring profound benefits to those with dementia and their care partners. We take a deep dive into the fascinating world of stillness and its immense potential in dementia care.
Discover the importance of being fully present in each moment, a practice that is often overlooked in our fast-paced, do-it-all lifestyle. It's about striking a balance between doing and being, something Gary poignantly points out can be instrumental in turbulent times. We also discuss the refreshing concept of giving ourselves the green light to take a much-needed break, a vital component of self-care, especially for caregivers.
We delve into narrative care, a mindful approach of using stories to communicate with people living with dementia. We part with a thought-provoking discourse by Gary on how stillness can be a haven from our chaotic world. Join us on this episode of Redefining Dementia as we explore the enchanting essence of stillness and its transformative power.
Discover the importance of being fully present in each moment, a practice that is often overlooked in our fast-paced, do-it-all lifestyle. It's about striking a balance between doing and being, something Gary poignantly points out can be instrumental in turbulent times. We also discuss the refreshing concept of giving ourselves the green light to take a much-needed break, a vital component of self-care, especially for caregivers.
We delve into narrative care, a mindful approach of using stories to communicate with people living with dementia. We part with a thought-provoking discourse by Gary on how stillness can be a haven from our chaotic world. Join us on this episode of Redefining Dementia as we explore the enchanting essence of stillness and its transformative power.
The Pathways Series - Lifelong Inspiration
Training Effect Principle - Ancient Wisdom & Modern Science
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Dr. Gary Irwin-Kenyon shares a stillness story and guided relax-into-stillness movements based on Tai Chi. He will guide you through simple relax-into-stillness movements that you can practice and incorporate into your daily life— no matter how demanding your schedule.
Dr. Irwin-Kenyon is a regular contributor to the free monthly online 30-minute Pathways sessions for caregivers and care professionals who welcome help, and would like to improve your ability to manage your energy, motivation, and perspective— for your own wellbeing—and in order to better provide the quality care that you desire to achieve. Visit here to learn more. |
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Tai Chi class - 20 minutes to relaxation and stillness practice
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Hosted by Samantha Hachey, New Brunswick Association of Nursing Homes.
Please enjoy this 20 minute stillness practice with Dr. Kenyon. This short Tai Chi lesson can be done sitting or standing. It may help you to relieve stress and move forward with your day. Tai Chi can help you to improve sleep quality, relieve fatigue, reduce depression, and increase quality of life. |
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Soul Sister Conversations
Aug 7, 2022
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In this podcast Dr. Gary Irwin-Kenyon discusses his book which allows us to meander through topics of stillness, aging, loss and the meaning of life. Gary shares his wisdom, reflections and learnings. There are so many relatable themes and anecdotes that will make you reflect and perhaps laugh out loud. This is was such a warm and meaningful conversation.
- Dana Lloyd |
Click below to watch the presentation
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The Pathways Series - Stillness and One Page Profiles
This event took place on May 2, 2022
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These sessions bring long-term people together to find stillness and share our collective wisdom so that we can provide better person-centred care to our elders.
The presenting team includes Dr. Gary Irwin-Kenyon, renowned pioneer and veteran in the field of narrative gerontology, Ashley King and Daphne Noonan, co-Founders of Person Centred Universe and, Rahzeb Choudhury, Founder of Lifelong Inspiration. A One-Page Profile is a profile of a person, which is positively focused on their core qualities. They capture all the important information about a person on a single sheet of paper under three simple headings: what people appreciate about me, what’s important to me, and how best to support me. |
Click below to watch the presentation
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THE BEST ELDERCARE - Should Tai Chi be Used as Standard in Dementia Care?
This event took place on April 28, 2022
Sometimes the answers are found in what we already know. Gary and Rahzeb look at the case for embedding tai chi in daily dementia care.
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Click below to watch the presentation
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Session four - A double dose of stillness
The Pathways Series
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Session three - Put love at the centre
The Pathways Series
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Session two - Stillness as core care and reconnecting with core values
The Pathways Series
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Session One - Stillness as core care and reconnecting with core values
The Pathways Series
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00:00 Opening
02:25 Stillness as core care
05:55 Stillness exercises
13:24 Imagining the feeling of home
19:52 Reconnecting with core values
22:57 Next session and closing
02:25 Stillness as core care
05:55 Stillness exercises
13:24 Imagining the feeling of home
19:52 Reconnecting with core values
22:57 Next session and closing
9th International Conference on Ageing and Spirituality
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Aa a prelude to the conference, here is a discussion between conference coordinator Jane Kuepfer and Gary Irwin-Kenyon Enjoy!,
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Wednesday, May 27th 4 pm
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Saturday January 25, 2020 from 1-4 pm
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March 10 - 12, 2020, Saint John's on the Lake, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
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November 9th, 2019 - Saturday from 2:00 to 4:00 PM
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October 2019, University of Barcelona, Spain
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Wednesday, March 13th, 2019 - 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
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Jan 23, 2019 - 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm
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November 4, 2018 1pm-4pm.
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October 30, 2018 - 2pm
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September 30, 2018
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September 19, 2018
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July 2, 2018
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November 19, 2017
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November 16, 2017
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October 24, 2017
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October 14, 2017
Book Reading and Signing: Indigo Place Montreal Trust - Montreal, Quebec, Canada
June 3, 2017
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March 18, 2017
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January 18, 2018
Men's Christian Spirituality Group, Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada - Busyness, Men, Tai Chi and Stillness
February 3, 2018
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Stillness Environment: Aging and Tai Chi university undergraduate credit course |
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February 14, 2018
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February 25, 2018
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Pathways to Stillness Book Launch, November 2017
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Saint Tomas University, Gerontology Department and the Office of Research Services Invite You to Celebrate the Publication of...
Pathways to Stillness: Reflect, Release, Renew by Gary Irwin-Kenyon THE ROTUNDA (ROOM 318) BRIAN MULRONEY HALL 
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October 6, 2016
Book Signing, Sunbury Shores Art and Nature Centre, Thursday, 5:00pm-7:00pm, Water Street St. Andrews NB, Canada 
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October 2016
Twente University, Enschede, The Netherlands, Centre for eHealth and Wellbeing Research and Lifestory Lab. 
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October 2016
Workshop, Centre for Inter-American Studies, University of Graz, Graz, Austria.
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April 2016
Storying Later Life: Narrative Gerontology theory and Practice - Dr. Gary Kenyon 
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