Amy Tyksinski

“What beckons to me in this moment now through my T’ai Chi Chih practice as we, the chi and I, commune with one another?” is a question I often ask myself in the quiet early morning as I start my day. I and my humanity fall into a compassionate embrace; the gentle 19 movements and 1 pose welcome me home.

Teaching T’ai Chi Chih – Joy Thru Movement (whose name means “Knowledge of the Supreme Ultimate”) since 1995 to people of all ages, I take great delight in inviting students to experience for themselves what this joyous evidence-based mindfulness moving meditation has to offer. In my heart of hearts, I seek always to encourage the wordless essence of what I learned (and continue to learn) from my primary teacher Justin Stone, the originator of  T’ai Chi Chih, and what I feel all humans have access to through the wondrous practices he shared so generously with his students.

For me, the teacher-student relationship is a sacred one. My friend and first T’ai Chi Chih teacher, Amy Hackenberg, was a particular grace in my life. And I hold dear fellow meditator and teacher Carmen Brocklehurst as an incredible support to me in being able to go deeper in T’ai Chi Chih. In almost three decades of teaching, I have observed that T’ai Chi Chih has the ability to give each practitioner what is needed in a given moment whether it be physical, mental, emotional or the more elusive spiritual. As Justin says, our task in life is to uncover “Who and What we are.” With the aid of T’ai Chi Chih, we are joyously supported in this revealing, in ways that are unique to each one.

After 5 years of teaching T’ai Chi Chih in Evanston, IL, what revealed itself to me was a compelling passion to delve further into the mysterious “Supreme Ultimate.” Thus in 2000, I moved to Albuquerque to meditate and study with Justin directly. What a humbling and amazing gift.

Sitting at the feet of the master for twelve years, I warmed myself so that the inner flame of yearning I felt all my life could catch hold and burn unobscuredly. As best I could, I soaked in Justin’s teachings which are more alive to me now than ever. In a world longing  for connection, through our T’ai Chi Chih practice, we come to Know that we are exquisitely held and led by something bigger than ourselves. Justin knew this divinity or “Supreme Ultimate” was in everyone. “You must go inside and find it. You must do it yourself!” he encouraged us enthusiastically. Up until the final moment of his life, he taught us as we were able to receive. In fact, the last breath Justin took, a singular teaching which I feel contains all of T’ai Chi Chih within it, continues to evolve in me.

In addition to its myriad healing benefits, T’ai Chi Chih is known, too, for greatly enhancing creativity. I therefore credit T’ai Chi Chih for the surprising birthings that have emerged.

For two years, munching on carrots and peanuts for sustenance, dear friend Ann Rutherford and I worked on a project devoted to transcribing and editing Justin’s Eastern Philosophy lecture series. The resulting book, Gateway to Eastern Philosophy and Religion, was published in 2006. A blend of philosophy, religion and many of Justin’s personal stories, the book gives readers an intimate feeling for what it was like to spend time with Justin on Saturday nights at his home.

Less than a year after Justin died, in January 2013 along with three of my wonderful high school seniors, I had an opportunity to give a TEDx Talk on The Effects of T’ai Chi Chih on High School Students.

In 2019, a website tumbled forth dedicated to teaching and sharing T’ai Chi Chih so that others may benefit. The site includes writings published in our two T’ai Chi Chih community periodicals, The Vital Force and the T’ai Chi Chih News, as well as educational videos and information about local and national teaching offerings.

T’ai Chi Chih is for everyone. It is easy to learn and yields surprising benefits. “Drinking a bowl of green tea, I stopped the war,” said Justin’s great friend Paul Reps. I echo the sentiment and look forward to meeting you.

Zoom Classes

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