At the International T’ai Chi Chih Teachers Conference at Kean University, in Union, more than 100 accredited teachers will gather to practice the gentle, mindful, moving meditation-like exercise. A free session will be open to the public on July 26. Exact time and location can be obtained by preregistering through the contact information listed below.

T’ai Chi Chih is a form of 19 flowing movements performed with softness and continuity from the center, while the practitioner is grounded in the soles of the feet. The intention of the practice is to circulate and balance energy in order to calm the mind, bringing relaxation and focus. Practitioners report improvement in balance, blood pressure and the symptoms of arthritis. In a number of studies between 2003 and 2011, researchers at UCLA, led by Michael Irwin, M.D., found that doing T’ai Chi Chih improves immune system function, helps relieve depression and improves the quality of sleep.

“Since I began practicing T’ai Chi Chih, I’m able to let go of unwanted habits more easily and replace them with healthier choices and ways,” says instructor Carol Spicer, of Fair Lawn. “I experience greater health, creativity, patience and enjoyment of the moment.”

Cost: free. Location: 1000 Morris Ave. (call for details). To preregister (required), call 609-752-1048 or email [email protected]. For more information, visit TaiChiChih.org.