Try to think in terms of two kinds of power…“power for & power over”. When someone uses bully behaviour, they look for a target or victim to have power OVER…to make themselves feel better. Many people who “bully” others are actually hurting inside. It’s as if they think that being in control will ease their pain.

Power FOR is when we “come to the aid” of a victim. People who “empower others” are called PEACEMAKERS. When you help someone keep their power and not “give it away” to a bully….you become a peacemaker. (Sometimes it’s necessary to find an adult or a teacher or another person to help.) Peacemakers will change the world!!

There is one other thing we can do…We need to build our own bully proof vest by becoming self confident and resistant to people who bully. There are many people who were bullied in school, but by focusing on their talent or unique ability it helped them become stronger. We ALL have a talent or skill to develop. It may take a while to find our special skill but the more we develop it, the more self confident we become! We may never put a stop to bullying BUT….we can change the way it affects us!!

( Jeff McCann is a singer/songwriter, artist, tai chi instructor and workshop leader who started the “Bully Proof Vest” website. He is committed to doing his part to help create a more peaceful world! To contact us about presenting a workshop to your school or group email us at: jeff@bullyproofvest.com)

photo by: Brandi Bedson

Tai Chi is an ancient Chinese exercise that has many benefits for people of all ages. There are several stories about how tai chi was created. One of the most popular being the story of Chang San Feng (a very wise man) who one day heard a “big fuss” in the courtyard near his window. When he went to see what all the noise was about, he saw a snake & a crane fighting for a piece of food. They fought for hours and as Chang San Feng watched them do battle he could see patterns in their movements that could be copied to create some exercises for his own well being.

He also observed the actions of other animals and things from nature (for example one move is called, “Wave Hands Like A Cloud”). These movements were all combined together to form an exercise routine which became the beginning of tai chi.

When someone does tai chi, they move very slowly and it’s almost like watching a slow motion dance. Practicing tai chi is very relaxing and helps the body stay young & flexible!