Amazement & Awareness: Student Voices

Compiled from Sheila Leonard, St. John’s, NL, Canada

Danielle, a first year returning student, has participated in two training workshops. She writes, “Since starting TCC practice last September 2008, I didn’t know at all what to expect. In my mind, these activities would simply allow me to relax. After the first class, I knew right away that it was for me. It was only the second time in my whole life that I’d had this feeling. The practice brings a strange but natural feeling – like something I’ve experienced long ago. … I didn’t understand during the first classes why Sheila insisted on doing the movements a certain way. I thought that learning by doing was sufficient; I felt the practice itself would bring me to the “right movements.” Then came a workshop. I thought Dan was talking too much. I still didn’t see the necessity of executing the movements a certain way. I’d had a kind of serenity during the classes and that was enough for me. I was feeling the energy of the group. … But now I’ve finished the second workshop and what a big change has occurred. Not only do I understand part of the philosophy of TCC through practicing, it’s like opening a door onto an intuitive life. During the group share, I realized that I was going to talk about inner energy, but it also came to my mind that I was recovering original energy from the origins of life on earth. It was a kind of revelation. Our talks offered guidance toward feeling that inner energy. But I’ve also learned that doing the movements correctly is the medium for experiencing that original energy. … For now, I’m not reading anything about meditation or the philosophy of TCC, as I want my reflections to come from the awareness I have while doing the movements. I’ve felt similar feelings through contact with nature, religion, spiritism, but I never thought we could get it by doing particular movements.”

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Carmel, a first time student, was so very pleased and amazed at how her practice is changing and deepening. She writes: “The more I do TCC the more awareness I experience – such as the shifting of the weight, the feet separated, the softness, the feeling of lightness in my body. The lessons have been great but practice must go hand-in-hand with the lessons. Doing TCC relaxes me, gives me a period of peace of mind each day. I feel I’m doing good things for my mind and body. I’m hooked on doing TCC daily.”

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Doris, a returning student from two years ago, came back prior to upcoming surgery. It was followed by what she calls an amazing recovery experience: “I’ve been faithfully using the video daily, am happy to report that I no longer have Reynaud’s Syndrome, and am no longer bothered with joint problems.”

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Gerri first did T’ai Chi Chih over two years ago, and writes, “Attending TCC classes and practicing has given me two great benefits: less stress and more peace. And I carry these feelings throughout the day. I also sense a spirituality with the practice of TCC.”

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Elizabeth adds, “I haven’t had a solid night’s sleep in over two years. After three or four weeks of practicing TCC, I’ve had a good night’s sleep every night.”

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Audrey, a longtime student, drove quite a distance to class for several eight-week sessions. She writes: “I had a perfect moment of absolute peace in class today during Pulling In The Energy. The whole room became still, quiet, and peaceful. I realized this was serenity. If these moments can be extended, it’s certainly worthwhile driving to these T’ai Chi Chih classes. In fact, even if it’s only one moment, it’s been worth it! I feel more and more confident with each class. … By the way, I was born with a crippled shoulder that limits my arm movements, and my hands became arthritic a few years back. But during my home practices I notice more elasticity in them, which, of course, is very pleasing. … I feel I’m making progress and would like to keep the momentum going. A couple days ago during practice, I experienced an almost weightless feeling that lasted a few brief – but profound – moments during Daughter On The Mountaintop. I don’t know what it is, but intuitively I know there is something to this practice. I look forward to experiencing more things spiritual in the future.”