More New Jersey Students Speak

Peter Swist: My comments may be somewhat individualistic. They reflect my perspective of searching to cure my balance issues, sensory neuropathy, improve my walking and eliminate my falling issues. I’ve always been a very good athlete with great balance and a tireless walker. After being diagnosed with Spinal Stenosis 10 years ago, undergoing lumbar and cervical spine surgeries, my balance and walking severely deteriorated. I was a constant fall hazard. It was life-altering. I was in constant physical therapy programs. They had some strength benefits, but my balance, walking and falling issues persisted. I searched for a better program and decided to try T’ai Chi Chih after various recommendations. I joined a class in Fall 2016 and began an incredible journey.

The journey to discover and practice TCC is a totally rewarding experience. The guidance and motivation from our teacher, Dorene, is outstanding and inspirational. After all my physical therapy experiences, I believe TCC is perhaps the best therapy program to address my total balance improvement program. My words can’t do justice to the subject, but the journey continues to be informative, motivating and rewarding.

COMMENTS & OBSERVATIONS:

• Your inspirational/informative teaching programs focus on a comprehensive guide to learning and practicing the TCC movements.

• Most important to me, TCC provides a unified platform to address the multi-dimensional and interrelated fluidity, stability, balance, postural, spatial awareness, continuity, control and mental components of the total stabilized walking/motion process.

• A major challenge is to maintain my focus on proper execution, form, balance and posture while struggling to maintain my balance.

• I don’t feel the polarity and energy transfers, but I do get a feeling of calm and satisfaction with the program and never get discouraged by slow recovery process.

• I enjoy every movement. Some are a bit more challenging if they involve standing on my toes, which I can’t do yet, but I’ll keep practicing.

• I also enjoy the Zoom meetings and recorded sessions you distribute. I can get a close-up view of the movements and repeat as required. I do miss the class interaction.

While I face occasional setbacks and frustrations in developing my skills, I believe I will continue to improve my balance and walking skills and plan to continue this life-enhancing program. Thank you, Dorene, for guiding me on this journey.

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Victor DePauw: I seriously committed to a daily practice more than a year ago and now feel cheated if I miss a practice. I have more energy during the days I practice and less when I miss a practice. I’ve seen an improvement in my posture: I carry weight and tension in my shoulders. Prior to practicing TCC I’d try to relax my shoulders, but since starting TCC I now know to relax into my tan t’ien. I walk with a straighter posture, which in turn helps my muscles feel more relaxed.

Linda H: TCC speaks to me of peace, softness, quiet and grace. Practice time is time set aside just for me. I am thankful TCC found me.

Janet Blum: TCC is a gift. It truly is joy through movement. I have learned the benefits of moving slowly, softly and consistently, thereby reducing tension and allowing the energy to flow freely. From continued practice, I have improved my posture and balance. TCC brings me to a place of calm and peacefulness yet I’m energized with a sense of well-being.

M. Feiler: TCC classes have brought self-awareness about my posture and how I walk, stand and sit. While doing TCC, an inner calmness transcends the mind and body. Practicing as a group shares energy with those around you; while practicing on my own I experience self-power and in control of who I am.