Mary has a long standing fascination with exploring how things connect, 

especially the human body and mind. This exploration led her to become a Licensed 

Massage Therapist seven years ago, the last three of which she’s been specializing in 

Thai Massage. The practice of yoga has also been an inspiration and driving force to 

her for sixteen years. Two years ago she began teaching that as well. Experience 

taught Mary that the powerful impact and benefits of mindful movement and breathing 

combined could not be over estimated!

Tai Chi was something that Mary had always been drawn to. She thought the 

movements were beautiful but they mystified her. It was not a type of movement that 

came naturally to her. When the Wednesday morning class in Warrensville Heights 

presented itself a year ago she seized the opportunity. This new challenge has brought 

so much wonderful energy into her life in the forms of greater confidence, coordination 

and, not least of all, her fabulous classmates and teacher! 

“I love my Tai Chi class! We have a great little chemistry. Ed Niam is so 

knowledgeable and patient. We mix it up on Wednesdays, learning not just the Tai Chi 

form but a Kung Fu form as well. I walked in last summer not knowing the first thing 

about any of this. I was a little intimidated because I thought I’d make a complete fool of 

myself. Well, sometimes I do, but it’s a lot of fun and all part of the journey! The form 

has shown me a whole new way to breathe and move my body, a new type of grace 

and given me another tool to help find calm in times of chaos. I’ve also met some pretty 

amazing individuals. Finding those connections in life are what’s important, after all, 

both within ourselves and with others!”

- Mary Bell