Physical and mental benefits gained

Reprinted with permission from The New Mexico T’ai Chi Chih News, July, 2000.

Dear Justin,

It is a joy for me to have received your recent letter congratulating me on achieving my accreditation as a T’ai Chi Chih instructor. It is meaningful for me to have a personal connection with the person who has been the vehicle of such a gift in my life. I have been practicing T’ai Chi Chih for five years, and know first hand the truth of what you say “that T’ai Chi Chih is of great benefit to humanity.” I thought you might be interested to hear a little bit of what brought me to T’ai Chi Chih and the benefits I have experienced through my practice. About five years ago, I received a diagnosis of a very early stage, non-invasive breast cancer. Although my health was not actually at risk at this point, I nevertheless went in search of ways to take charge of my own health and wellness. When the mind is ready, the teacher appears! Someone suggested I try T’ai Chi Chih. Anthea Lee teaches in my community. About two thirds of the way through my first class, I received word that my father was in a serious condition, requiring immediate by-pass surgery (heart), to save his life. I flew to Vancouver to support him. Normally, I would have been highly anxious and emotional in this situation, but as I continued to practice the T’ai Chi Chih movements I knew so far on a daily basis, or whenever my anxiety started to build, I experienced beautiful peace, lightness of being, and even joy in the midst of this crisis. I felt support both inside me and all around me. I was able to support my father and all my family, instead of being incapacitated by the crisis. By the way, I have been cancer free for five years now, and my father, although he died twice during the by-pass surgery, is doing very well these days, having experienced no damaging effects from his crisis.

Throughout the years following the above situations, I have practiced T’ai Chi Chih daily in my office before I start work. My job is very demanding in terms of volume of workload and other pressure. When I practice T’ai Chi Chih, I find I am not overwhelmed by the work demands; I move slowly but accomplish more, with less effort, and maintain serenity.

The Teachers’ Accreditation with Ed Altman was invaluable to me, helping me go deeper with the movements and my practice. I learned from Ed’s metaphors about the movements and from the way he walked us through each aspect of each movement, and challenged us. I have so much respect for him as the leader of T’ai Chi Chih.

In response to your encouragement to do demonstrations as soon as possible, I can report that I have now done two that were well received, and I will be doing four more over the next two days. I find that all I have to do is mention that I have become accredited, and many people say they want to enroll for a class.

Thank you for taking the time to write to us new teachers. I hope to meet you next summer (2001) when the conference is in San Francisco. With respect and gratitude for the gift of T’ai Chi Chih. Happy Chi to you, also!

– Louise Bureau