Faithful Practice, Full Potential

Bill Moore, Clifton, NJ

Dear VFJ,

As a teacher of TCC I asked for comments at the end of the spring session and received [the following remarks from my student, Bill Moore, addressed to Mr. Justin Stone.] I thought it to be rather unique, and valuable enough to be shared. Therefore, I am passing it on to you [VFJ] in the form of a letter to Justin Stone.

– Geraldine McGuire
Clifton, NJ

Mr. Justin Stone,

As a horn player, I am always looking for techniques to improve control of the breath. Nothing, not even Hatha Yoga and Pranayama practice has been as effective (and efficient) as T’ai Chi Chih in influencing the breath to flow more slowly and deeply, on a consistent basis. This has not only increased my breathing capacity, but has helped in the control of inhalation and exhalation, while allowing a more relaxed upper body musculature, which is very helpful in maintaining better tone and intonation in my playing.

At the same time, T’ai Chi Chih has helped lower my center of gravity, strengthening muscles, and dissolving tension (and free radicals?) in knee and ankle joints, while decreasing tension in neck and shoulder areas. This increases stability in posture and motion, so there is less chance of injury from loss of balance or improper lifting and carrying. This also helps to relax and deepen the inhalations and exhalations (which, I suspect, may be the more important function, at least in removing toxins from the system), having a calming effect on the mind, and perhaps improving efficiency in oxygenating the blood.

I was sold on T’ai Chi Chih from my first class. It may be that, having been acquainted with Hatha Yoga (I taught hundreds of classes for the Integral Yoga Institute in the 70’s and 80’s), and having developed some degree of body consciousness, the potential of T’ai Chi Chih for healing, energizing and relief of tension (which really is the same thing, no?) was immediately apparent to me. I have been thrilled to be fortunate enough to be among a relative few who are practicing this wonderful [discipline], and I am hopeful of sharing it with others in the future.

It would be easy for me to speak at great length about the many wonderful benefits I have realized during two years now of faithful (and joyous) practice, but the effects I am most thrilled with are very personal and very profound. Spiritually, emotionally, psychologically, mentally and physically, I feel that T’ai Chi Chih is steadily and progressively helping me toward fulfilling my potential to be of real value to others. I can see T’ai Chi [Chih] benefiting others THRU me.

I thank you, Sir, even as I am confident that you are grateful to be able to share … [T’ai Chi Chih].

Best regards,

– Bill Moore

Bill Moore is a teacher-candidate studying TCC with Geraldine McGuire, who is a TCC teacher residing in Clifton, NJ. She has been teaching approximately five years. Her referring teacher was Sr. Antonia Cooper.