Teacher reflects on changes occurring since beginning practice of TCC

As I began to prepare for teacher training, I struggled with how to incorporate a complete practice in my routine every day without exception. I like to practice T’ai Chi Chih in the quiet of the early morning. However, I felt as if I needed to get up earlier and earlier and I became intent on “accomplishing the practice” before anyone else got up. A fellow student in a teacher training preparation class mentioned that she practices T’ai Chi Chih while her daughter practices violin. I was intrigued by the potential of a practice grounded in serenity while surrounded by that kind of activity.

I abandoned the hope of practicing undisturbed in a quiet house. I changed my intent from “I want to accomplish my T’ai Chi Chih practice before anyone else gets up.” to “My intent is to savor each moment of each movement for however long I have.” Time came to a standstill while I practiced. I began waking up regularly around 5:30 to 6:00 a.m. ready to practice. Miraculously?, I now have enough time to fully engage in a complete T’ai Chi Chih practice almost every morning—before anyone else gets up.

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In 1995, I left 20 years of accounting and finance administration and embarked on an unknown journey of significant life style and work changes. Early in the journey I discovered T’ai Chi Chih. As my T’ai Chi Chih practice deepens, I am experiencing a gradual wearing away of old habit patterns. I am more fully present with my family and friends. The critical inner chatter has diminished. I sleep more soundly. The last time I couldn’t sleep, I was able to spend the sleepless hours in a quiet almost meditative state and arose feeling fully rested the next morning. Food tastes more delicious and I naturally eat more slowly and feel more satisfied. The sphincter muscle between my esophagus and my stomach (which for an extended period in my life would spasm fairly consistently) spasms only occasionally as a gentle physical reminder to savor the moment.