Service At Folsom

As we begin a new year I am reminded of the generosity of T’ai Chi Chih teachers. The quotation on front of The Vital Force is lived to the fullest: “T’ai Chi Chih is a Service to Humanity. It is a form of Love. Justin Stone.” Dedicated teachers bring the form to just about every person who is willing to learn. Even if a class does not fill with only four registered, they will do it any way, making nearly nothing after room rental has been paid. They are convinced of the value of what TCC can do in the lives of those who learn and practice, and this alone can be the only return, especially when volunteering their time.

In 2005 and 2009, I accompanied Judy Trethewy into the Greystone Chapel of Old Folsom prison. Judy’s dedication has taken her inside each week for the past 12 years (minus lockdowns.) She took down this conversation I had with the men during that day. 

Sister Antonia [to the inmates]: Tell me about your TCC practice.

Doc: It provides what I call an instant vacation. It’s not pleasant living here and TCC gives me the relief I need to keep going. Also, because we practice balance, I have learned to sense quickly when I am out of balance.

SA: TCC is a wonderful vehicle for evolving into who we are meant to be on this earth. Justin says “as we begin to change; the world around us changes.” What’s the greatest gift of TCC?

Frank: Freedom. We find an internal freedom on both a spiritual and physical plane. Also, I have become aware of how Chi follows thought. I can feel the Chi following my thoughts around.

SA: Have you tried mental TCC – feeling the TCC energy with out doing the movements?

Steve: I have been practicing going through the movements of TCC while I am walking on the track. I walk around and around in and out of folks. I get quieter and quieter, and the sense of flow keeps increasing as I imagine the movements.

SA: Have you ever tried walking from the tan t’ien? Much of the time, we operate from the ears up. TCC helps us to live from the ears down.

Deville: From TCC practice I have come into a knowledge of the way, balance and synchronicity. The way of differences, simplicity, yin/yang, finding within all that the smooth and peaceful energy flow.

SA: Chih means “knowledge of” … awareness of the knowledge of self in space.

Rick: Before I just came to the group and practiced on my own once a week. Lately I have added a little TCC each day and I have felt an increased calm. I have noticed other people’s stuff versus me reacting to their stuff. I can step away and see it for what it is, and deal with it in a calmer manner.

SA: When I came in, I saw someone doing pushups with someone else on his back. That kind of exercise cultivates physical strength. TCC is soft. TCC builds up interior strength that uses no muscle. It will allow you to freely choose who and how you want to be. It is not so difficult to choose from your center. No one can knock you over.

Gilbert: Is it ok if I substitute “Holy Spirit” for Chi?

SA: Yes. It is how I experience this energy.

Deville: We each seem to move a bit differently. Everyone brings his own personality into TCC. Part of what I like, as opposed to martial arts with all the contests and belts, is that there is no competition.

Steve: At the dinner table I was answering another fellow’s question: Is this a martial art? I said, no, it is not. TCC is to circulate the Chi in the organs and throughout the body and to build up the immune system; it’s similar to meditation.

The men so deeply appreciate their teacher for her time, energy and teaching. They look forward to these classes that do, in fact, offer so much more than they could possibly get from any other activity. Teachers are encouraged to contact Judy Tretheway to learn from her experiences teaching TCC to inmates. You are also encouraged to tell this story to your own students, and practice sending healing Chi to all incarcerated people seeking true freedom. I’m grateful to Judy for her dedication, and for all TCC teachers who are bringing about change in people’s lives. Continue to be about service which is a form of love.