Fans of rest, relaxation and improved flexibility celebrated the World Tai Chi Day Saturday.
At 10 a.m., participants around the globe took a break from their busy lives to enjoy the peaceful art of Tai Chi.
Auburn citizens did their part by getting together at the Jule Collins Smith Museum.
Tai Chi is a form of relaxation exercise that is most often compared to Yoga. Both arts are beneficial to the body and can cure aches and pains.
Mark Ciamarra was one of many who attended the celebration.
Ciamarra injured his back in a pole vaulting accident in high school. One of his teachers highly recommended Tai Chi to assist in his recovery.
"My teacher started telling me about yoga, and I wanted to know what these magical stretches were that made my back feel so much better," Ciamarra said. "It was amazing; the pain was gone when I started doing Tai Chi and Yoga."
Kitty Frey is a Tai Chi instructor and a strong believer in the health benefits of Tai Chi. She became an occupational therapist and assists with people who have chronic health conditions, people like Mark Ciamarra.
Frey is certified in Tai Chi for arthritis, osteoporosis and fall prevention.
"My interest is working with people to improve their health through Tai Chi," Frey said. "The ultimate goal is relaxation, mentally and physically."
Frey came to Auburn from Seattle, Wash., where her husband introduced her to Tai Chi. Frey said once she began the exercise, she soon realized how advantageous it was
"It gives you a sense of relaxation and at the same time makes you feel energized," Frey said.
Ciamarra compared Tai Chi to a popular morning beverage.
"Basically, you can be really tired when you start, so to me, it's like a cup of coffee," Ciamarra said. "When you're done with it, you're all energized and ready to go."
Jose Torres is another instructor based in Auburn. Torres started with Tai Chi while in high school in his home state of California and immediately felt positive impacts.
Before he left California, Torres taught a Tai Chi class with junior high students.
"By the end of the year, after taking the required Tai Chi class, they were much more relaxed," Torres said. "If you know ninth and 10th graders, you know they have a ton of energy, but they really surprised me and were different individuals at the end of the school year."
Both Torres and Frey led the event Saturday, sharing the art of Tai Chi and performing several motions individually, and with participants.
Frey said she was glad there was a big turn out Saturday.
Because of all the different time zones in the world, and every event being held at 10 a.m., Frey called the day 24 hours of peace.
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