'Born Strong: From Surviving the Great Famine to Teaching Tai Chi to Millions'
Dr Paul Lam's memoir
(Paperback, 318 pages)
In 1948, Dr Paul Lam's mother left him in the care of his grandmother in China. Ten months old at the time, Dr Lam - whose given Chinese name is Bon Trong, meaning "born to be strong" - grew up under the cruel Communist regime of Mao Zedong and nearly perished during the Great Famine. After escaping from China, studying in Hong Kong, and finally settling in Australia, Dr Lam won a scholarship to study medicine.
Malnutrition left Dr. Lam with severe osteoarthritis. He found that tai chi not only helped him manage the condition, the ancient practice improved every aspect of his life. Dr Lam's burning passion to help others led him to create the Tai Chi for Health programs, where he combined his Western and Chinese medical knowledge with modern teaching methods. More than five million people worldwide practice his Tai Chi for Health programs.
"An inspiring and engaging personal story of healing and Tai Chi, written by a physician and Tai Chi master leading the integration of Tai Chi into healthcare worldwide
- Peter Wayne, Assistant Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School and author of "The Harvard Medical School Guide to Tai Chi"
"This is the story of a man who has to rise above the chasm of death and impossible odds to turn the centuries-old, esoteric Oriental art of Tai Chi into a Western-science-and-medicine-based system of healthcare that has deeply touched the lives of millions. It is a fable of humility, struggle, and heartbreak, but above all, of selfless sacrifice, unconditional love, staunch courage, and unwavering tenacity. An inspirational read...."
- Andy Choo, PhD, FAA. Professor of biomedical genetics, University of Melbourne and Murdoch Childrens Research Institute; Fellow of the Australian Academy of Science; Tai Chi teacher and researcher.
Discover the message hidden in the cover design
The cover photo is Dr Lam performing the Sun style tai chi form "Leisurely Tying Coat". The movement means Dr Lam is offering to share the secret to health and wellness through his own experience.
The logo on his shirt is the official logo of the Tai Chi for Health Institute - the green colour denotes trees, while brown is earth. The illustration is based on Dr Lam performing "Single Whip" another Sun style form meaning balance and inner strength. The logo implies that we, the people involved with the Tai Chi for Health vision, are tree farmers sowing seeds of health and wellness wherever we go. The color blue of the shirt represents the sky.
This is also why brown and green are the theme colours used on the cover.
Dr Lam's surname means "forest" in Chinese. One can imagine he was 'born strong' to create forests around the world; all his challenges have strengthened him to do the job.
17 Reviews
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inspiring story
What a journey from abject poverty and persecution to a human being of the highest quality and empathy. We could all learn from Dr. Lam’s example of interpersonal communication in our Tai Chi classes and in our everyday lives. I recommend his book thoroughly and additionally any chance you get to learn from this special teacher is worth your while.
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pure Inspiration
I read Born Strong 2 years ago. Dr. Lam’s life story is transparent and inspiring. He suffered and witnessed human cruelty, but did not become hardened or bitter. I bought a new copy at the Kansas City workshop to have a signed copy. I will circulate my old copy among my class participants!
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Inspirational
Dr Lam is such a great teacher and Tai Chi practitioner! His story is very inspiring. He’s reached so many people around the globe!
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Must Read for Tai Chi for Health Students
I have several copies and they circulate amoung my students. I'm re reading myself currently. Today in our outside class (covid restrictions) we discussed Dr Lam's need to implement "mutual respect" in his programs due to his personal life experiences, infusing his understanding of it's value to those people we encounter. Wow, just wow.
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Must Read for Tai Chi for Health Students
I have several copies and they circulate amoung my students. I'm re reading myself currently. Today in our outside class (covid restrictions) we discussed Dr Lam's need to implement "mutual respect" in his programs due to his personal life experiences, infusing his understanding of it's value to those people we encounter. Wow, just wow.
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"Born Strong" excellent autobiography
Autobiographies help us to understand those we admire, or those we sometimes criticize. They can be enlightening, inspiring, or boring or even off putting. I had seen Dr. Lam's video chapters, but they are nothing to me like reading what is in this book. And, unlike a video, you can lay the book down, get a cup of tea, or meet your group for a Tai Ji or Qigong routine, then come back and pick up where you left off. Dr. Lam tells an inspiring story, not only of his personal life, but also of the world he lived in, both at the time of his youth and how it has progressed. I find much to admire in this book, and recommend it to my students who have heard of Dr. Lam or are curious.
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Inspiring and Beautiful
Dr. Lam was given the perfect name at birth. He is indeed "Born Strong". His dedication and love of people and tai chi is so inspiring. A great read and a beautiful life.
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Born Strong
What an incredible and inspiring book. Couldn't put it down.
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Born Strong
Born Strong is a powerful, emotional, inspirational, and motivational book. It captivates the reader from the first page and keeps the reader's attention until the last page. As I read this book it brought back painful and unpleasant childhood memories I had long suppressed. Although there are numerous similarities in our childhoods, my pain and suffering pales in comparison to what Dr. Lam endured. However, as I read his story, I was also reminded of important life lessons my parents worked very hard to make sure my siblings and I learned and Dr. Lam reaffirmed. Those lessons are: Respect your elders; Treat others as you want to be treated; Hard work and determination pay off; When you fall, get up, dust yourself off, and move on; When you think life is at its worst, remember there are people worse off than you. Most important- stay true to yourself and follow your dreams. Thank you Dr. Lam for sharing your incredible story and reminding me to stay positive and enjoy the journey.
