Kevin Thornton: Why I love . . . tai chi

Tai chi is an ideal fit for me for numerous reasons. I am physically fit but my flexibility isn’t as good as I’d like it to be, so tai chi definitely helps here. My teacher is extremely knowledgeable on anatomy and he stresses the importance of stretching, especially before getting out of bed in the morning. It certainly makes a difference to my body.

A cat or a dog stretches completely after waking but it’s a natural body function we seem to forget about. I have an almost overactive mind that is rarely still. Tai chi allows me to be totally in the moment and that’s something that is not easily achieved for me otherwise.

The main thing that does clear my mind is convening with nature – walking in the woods picking wild sorrel, garlic or other edible wild foods. Tai chi is about being in harmony with the world and nature, so it sits perfectly with my principles in that way. Also no gym or machinery are required so once the principles and discipline are learned you can apply and practise them anywhere.

• Kevin Thornton is a chef and founder of Kevin Thornton's KOOKS