Experiences

 

 

T’ai Chi Chih is a mindfulness-moving meditation practice that’s easy to learn. The series of 19 movements and one pose helps circulate the Vital Energy, the Chi. Practitioners experience peace, improved health, and many more benefits. Our free monthly e-newsletter offers inspiration between issues of the TCC quarterly journal, The Vital Force, in which teachers and students tell stories about ways they’ve benefited from the practice. 

“’How few sit quietly, doing nothing.’” – Justin F. Stone, TCC Originator

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From the recent issue of The Vital Force:

Why doubt: “I’ve been pondering a message I’ve heard second-hand from Justin. ‘Why doubt your own experience?’ he asked. At first, I interpreted this as discouraging comparisons of one’s own understandings to others. Then I realized, like Zen teachings he drew from, Justin was also pointing to something even more profound — our relationship with ourselves. Which part of us doubts and which part experiences? My mental activity has always eclipsed my physical sensory experiences. Through TCC, though, I’ve learned that my body’s experience is valuable and intelligent.” – LS, Fort Collins, CO

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Editor’s Note: Learn more from TCC teachers with more than 25 years of experience in the February issue of The Vital Force.

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How blue: “One of the wonderful benefits of practicing TCC is the intensity it gives nature’s colors. Springtime masses of magenta azalea blossoms are so brilliant they seem to stop the world. Kousa dogwood look poured from a giant pitcher of cream, inviting me to jump in. Autumn blue sky reflects deeply in the heavenly blue morning glories growing up my garage. Practicing on my deck, I look out on a rock garden and see so many variations of green that my head can’t hold them all.” – DM, West Barnstable, MA

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All gone: “TCC helped me stay in public education teaching special education for 30 years. I did a short TCC practice for about 20 minutes each morning and then go off to school. I truly believe it helped, whether talking with parents or working with difficult students. Another benefit was that it seemed negative people disappeared from my life and health issues were overcome more quickly.” — ME, Hanover, PA

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Come back: Frequently, followers of the Spiritual Path reach a joyous feeling of Unity — and then get hung up there. Unless they can come full circle, back to the ordinary life, it will be practically impossible for them to function in this world. – Justin F. Stone

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Where in the World have you been doing T’ai Chi Chih? Share your images for our gallery.

Want more inspiration? Want a connection with the global TCC community? Want tips for better practice? Join us:

Subscribe to The Vital Force. Our quarterly journal offers engaging stories, hints, and insights from TCC teachers and students. We also highlight wisdom by, and photos rarely seen of, originator Justin Stone.