Seijaku for Physically Challenged and Fibromyalgia Students

Recently I started teaching sitting Seijaku at Diablo Lodge, a retirement community in Danville, CA, which also offers assisted living. I have been teaching T’ai Chi Chih (TCC) classes there for two years. The residents have enjoyed it so much they now have two TCC classes, the second class taught by Virginia Lee Cepeda, Dubin, CA (see page 22). Sitting Seijaku has been a great success; the residents enjoy the class, feel so good afterwards, and understand the principle of ‘Holding Fast and Letting Go’.

Some beneficial guidelines I’ve found in teaching ‘seated’ Seijaku:

1) Sitting to the edge of the chair to allow rocking in the hip joints. This can be easily done in a wheelchair.

2) Leg movements are very important. If students are confused, feet can remain parallel, starting from a flat foot and progressing to heel up, then returning flat foot and progressing to toe up, and returning to a flat foot. There have been good results with students that have edema in the lower extremities.

3) Sound! Toning Sounds of Seijaku and Healing Sounds are a favorite of the form. Watch the smiles come into play. (I do let them know if they think they are having a heart attack not to stand up and sound HO. Call 911!)

4) Moving from the Tan T’ien. For those who cannot move in that area, put the thought there, think of moving from that spot; we all know the power of thought.

5) Be mindful of each student. Repeat to stay relaxed, breathe naturally and enjoy.

One 93 year old student who has been in class since the beginning said she really liked “Holding Fast and Letting Go, and isn’t it important to know when to let go!” I think she has caught the essence.

I have also had good results teaching a Fibromyalgia class Seijaku. Fibromyalgia is a painful condition of the muscles and connective tissue, along with extreme fatigue. I, personally, have spent days unable to get out of bed or even leave the house due to this condition. After the recent Seijaku retreat, I noticed how well I felt and the TEN unit, heating pad, medications, herbs and special pillows never did get unpacked!! Note: Seijaku practice and meditation are a wonderful gift for healing. If the Fibromyalgia student is in a flare up, one Seijaku movement out of three is enough.