When I was in my 20′s, I thought Tai Chi was just some silliness for old short people, not for me. Let’s just say I’ve been enlightened. When I see people in the parks practicing this ancient form of internal martial art, I’m intrigued and want to learn more.

Some say Tai Chi’s graceful, dance-like poses sooth the soul. Others say it’s good for your health. Either way, practicing Tai Chi in the park just feels good. And that’s reason enough to give it a try. (Or so my aging bones tell me.) More importantly, the practice is said to promote life balance.

You’ll see people practicing Tai Chi all over San Francisco parks. What you may not know is that these classes are sponsored by The San Francisco Mayor’s office of Criminal Justice. You don’t have to be a criminal, of course, and you don’t have to be an expert or dress a certain way. To get an idea of what to expect, take a look at this demonstration on YouTube.

Deal: All Tai Chi sessions in the San Francisco Parks listed below are free.

How: No need to register–just wear something comfortable and show up. For questions about schedule or location, please call instructor Cady Wong: 415.584.8366.

Where/When: The following locations. To verify times, check the schedule.

BROOKS PARK (Ramsell/Shields Streets) map Sat 10-11 am.

WEST PORTAL PLAYGROUND (Taraval/Lenox Way, map). Fri 11:00 am-12 noon.

PILGRIM SENIOR COMMUNITY CENTER (446 Randolph St at Arch St, 415-586-8020–map). Fri 9:30am-10:30am.

GOLDEN GATE PARK SPRECKELS LAKE (36th & Fulton, map). Sat-Sun 8:30-9:30 pm.

GOLDEN GATE PARK SENIOR CENTER (6101 Fulton Street by 37th Ave, 666-7015, map). Beginners: Mon 4 pm, Wed 2 pm. Advanced: Mon 3pm, Wed, 1 pm.

PARKSIDE SQUARE (26th Ave & Vicente, map). Mon-Sun, 8-10 am.

SUNSET PLAYGROUND (28th Ave & Lawton, map). Mon-Sun, 7:30-9 am.