A Deeper Experience of T’ai Chi Chih

Workshop in Warrenville, IL June 1-3

By Ann Marie Wyrsch, St. Charles, MO

To set the stage: I have been blessed with very good teachers, sporadically used the instructional DVD, and I had been practicing alone for some time. I was aware of the need for renewal and reconnection with the community. From beginning to end, I experienced the “effort of no effort!” Everything fell into place.

Sr. Antonia began her brief teachings with short quotations from Justin Stone’s Spiritual Odyssey. From her sharing, my understanding of the principles and teachings deepened. The first evening she read from Justin’s book: “If we examine it closely, we find awareness is the root of T’ai Chi Chih, which is essentially inner-oriented.”

We started the next morning with a full practice outdoors. WOW – “with out words.” Sr. Antonia not only taught with words, but she embodied the essence of T’ai Chi Chih. For me, “aha” moments happened at the first practice and continued throughout the weekend. I learned as much by seeing as I did by listening.

At one point, while Sr. Antonia was teaching Anchor Taffy, First Variation, I got completely discombobulated. What a blessing! I learned again with “beginner’s mind.” Practicing at home, I became aware that I learned at least one correction for each movement. It will take a while to integrate these refinements.

I experienced an embodied sense of the essence of T’ai Chi Chih. And Sr. Antonia’s gentle reminders, about moving from the T’an T’ien and focusing on the soles of the feet at the gentle conclusion, were gradually etched in my heart. I now repeat them when I practice.

Each of the participating students and teachers contributed significantly. By the end of the first full practice, we experienced a sense of unity, and it was enriched with each practice. I came home filled with rekindled gratitude!

Health Hurdles Clearing

By Pam Kamholz, Lake Villa, IL

On March 31, 1990, I suffered a severe closed head injury. I lost cognitive functions and balance, and I suffered from severe headaches, memory loss, and intense mood swings. These injuries also threw my chemicals off balance and have caused bones to disintegrate.

After 12 knee surgeries, one shoulder operation, and two back surgeries, I needed to do something to help me heal my body, mind, and spirit. My neuro-psychiatrist, Dr. T’so, is from China and believes in the benefits of T’ai Chi. When he suggested I take a T’ai Chi class, I looked around and found T’ai Chi Chih.

When I first started to learn T’ai Chi Chih, I tipped over a lot and my feet couldn’t get in the proper place for the resting pose. I wasn’t even able to turn my hips, as my back is fused and I was told I would never bend over again.

Now that the 16-week course is finished, I can move my hips and touch the floor with the palms of my hands. My feet cannot get into the proper position for resting pose, and I still tip over once in a while, but I can right myself.

I don’t seem to get mod swings or headaches as badly as I did before. I feel better about myself. Instead of thinking about all the damage done, I look for the positive things in life.

I’m taking T’ai Chi Chih again with the same instructor and some of the same students. Even when my mind can’t think right and the moves are not as smooth as other times, it seems as if the Chi is still flowing. When I leave, I feel energized, light, and ready to take on life.

My overall health has improved. My cholesterol and blood pressure are now in the normal range. My panic attacks are happening less frequently and I haven’t had any seizures in quite a while.

Thank you Justin Stone and my teacher (and friend), Donna McElhose.