Field Specialist in Nutrition and Health Melissa Cotton from the University of Missouri Extension’s Health and Well-Being Department has agreed to host a free Tai Chi class in Excelsior Springs. Classes will be held every Monday and Friday at noon, through March 22. According to Cotton, Tai Chi is an ancient Chinese discipline incorporating meditative movements practiced through various exercises. “Tai Chi is not a fighting form, but rather pulls principles from martial arts and Taoist tradition,” she said. “It aims to build postural alignment and muscle tone to improve balance and muscle pain.” Her passion for exercise and helping people find ways to achieve positive health benefits led her to become a certified instructor five years ago. “It took me a bit to get into it, but I have developed a love for teaching Tai Chi,” she said, “It is a strategy I use to ground myself and be more present when my mind is overrun with thoughts.” She explained the benefits of Tai Chi, which can…