Note to KG: also published a batch in FEB ‘21

‘Dear Justin’ Letters from Students

Editor’s Note: Donna McElhose (taichichih.org/teacher/donna-mcelhose), Wildwood, Illinois, was accredited in 1998 and actively taught hundreds of robust classes for more than 20 years. Donna assigned homework like these ‘letters to Justin’ below to her students over the years.

Dear Justin,

I find the movements interesting and varied, and, while not taxing, challenging. What I like is that is you can do them anywhere, without any equipment, and for me, an asthmatic, they do not stress the respiratory system. That is significant, as other exercise/disciplines are quite uncomfortable during a flare-up. ~ M. B.

Dear Justin,

Our assignment was to send a letter to ourselves or to you. I was uncertain of my choice. Writing to myself would be easier, but I choose you. My reason is to let you know how much I have enjoyed TCC. On some days coming to class was a struggle, but by the time I left, my day had turned around completely. My instructor is a joy to be around and is always patient and very understanding. ~ N.

Dear Mr. Stone,

Although I am in my mid-forties, not at all athletically inclined, and have been studying T’ai Chi (both Ch’uan and Chih) for only three years, these sessions (to which I added your recorded Zen stories and TCC instruction manual) have been a turning point. The discipline has opened the possibility of inner balance and health of being.

I was born in Chicago of Mexican-American ancestry. From my earliest years I have felt the need for something indefinable. Fifteen years ago, at the T’ai Chi Ch’uan class at a community college, I met my teacher, Donna, who shared her interest in TCC. Sometime before that, I had seen televised TCC with Carmen Brocklehurst, so it clicked. When I discovered that Donna was working towards her certification, I saw the potential for more growth.

The two important attributes I have tried to learn from both forms are discipline and patience. The former helped with work, and it’s also easy to practice TCC with a group or in a classroom setting. I particularly enjoy the sense of timelessness during our circle meditation. The difficulty arrives when I must practice alone. Given all the wonderful benefits of regularly doing TCC, daily practice still alludes me. I remain quietly patient this will change.

My husband, born in China some 70 years ago, was the first who spoke seriously about Taoism. As the son of missionary parents, he focused on the interchange between East and West. He believed, and I think you will agree, that the West got the best of the deal. We sent guns and planes and received spirituality in return. You are of that noble band of D.T. Suzuki and others who brought wisdom, humor, and dignity to a people self-impoverished by a high standard of living. ~ B. P. Note from Donna: After almost 30 years through the martial art class and TCC, B. P. and I are still friends and still practice TCC together.

Dear Justin,

Thank you for developing such a beautiful, artful meditative practice. It is a great gift to all who wish to partake. I have practiced faithfully and sincerely since class began. The benefits are calmness, relaxation, mindfulness, happy feelings, contentment, balance. I have experienced all of the above and more. How grateful I am to you and my teacher. ~ P. R.

Dear Justin Stone,

I have been taking TCC classes at the College of Lake County, Grayslake, Illinois, with Donna McElhose, non-stop since the college began offering the class. Donna is a great instructor for your TCC. She does her utmost to make sure we do the movements properly. I have come a long way in my first class and realize I still have a long way to go. With practice TCC still needs improvement, as I am changing for the better. I originally began TCC when it was offered on Public Broadcast television with Carmen Brocklehurst. Then my husband noticed classes being offered locally. Now we do TCC together. I also like your new video and change which section to watch, one for instruction and one for practice. ~ R. F. C.

Mr. Justin Stone,

A few weeks ago, we saw your video at Folsom Prison. I’m so impressed with your effort there. In this world of “take, take, take,” you exemplify “give, give, give.’’ Perhaps the phrase of the late Joseph Campbell ‘Follow your Bliss’ better sums it. Also you have a great messenger for TCC in my teacher. She has a genuine concern for her students’ progress. My wife and I have been learning TCC for two years, and I am near the point where this is a permanent part of my daily life. Thank you for developing the system of TCC. (P.S. I am an avid listener of jazz and would love to hear some of your music. Are there any recorded works I might track down?) ~ R. W. C.

Dear Mr. Stone,

I have almost finished the T’ai Chi Chih (TCC) class and I love it. You have created a wonderful and beautiful thing. I am a young college student and whenever I become over stressed with my job and schoolwork, I practice TCC for 30 minutes. The sensation of energy running throughout my body is energizing. TCC has taught me to relax and look at life from a different point of view. Thank you for your time and TCC. ~ B. E. F.

Dear Justin,

Thank you for TCC. It has made a beautiful difference in my life. I am much calmer than I have been in many, many moons. In closing, please know that Donna McElhose is an excellent teacher. ~ R.

Dear Justin Stone,

I am writing to thank you for developing TCC. It is a beautiful, peaceful series of movements that can be performed by most people. TCC has been so beneficial to so many regardless of age or physical condition. My personal goal is to perfect my practice of TCC. ~ M. W.

Dear Justin,

I’ve always been aware of the importance of gratitude and giving but practicing TCC has helped me make a new commitment to focusing on what is important. The movements are beautiful, and I’m amazed by the power of doing the movements with a group. I’m planning to continue my practice and thank you for the awareness that “Where Love is, there am I.” ~ M.

Dear Justin,

I’m glad I took TCC because it has helped me feel more appreciative and be more focused. It’s excellent for so many physical benefits, but it also gave me the privilege of working with a very special human being — our instructor, a gift to her students and the world. P.S. I’ve also noted more energy and a better outlook. Thank you so much for your generosity on the behalf of so many. ~ Anon.