Appreciation From A New Student

In September 2018, I joined a beginner Tai Chi Chih class offered at Senior Amigos in Las Cruces, New Mexico. For months I’d been feeling a vague discontentment despite my happy marriage, a comfortable life and good health. I grew up in Hong Kong seeing people young and old in serene contemplation while executing graceful T’ai Chi movements. It was a common sight along the harbor and in parks.

When I saw the words “T’ai Chi Chih” in the class listings, it drew me with the promise of grace, stillness and contemplation that I’d witnessed in Hong Kong. I wasn’t disappointed. The more I practiced, the better and more self-assured I felt. Mindfulness has brought me a heightened appreciation of my surroundings, people encountered and experiences previously taken for granted.

I learned as much as possible from my teacher Rose Diosdado, and from Carmen Brocklehurst and Justin Stone (through videos). Attending a retreat in Albuquerque to mark my first anniversary as a practitioner cemented my commitment, which continues to grow. My perspective has also improved with a stronger sense of how everything in our universe ties together. In addition to the benefits the practice brings, each movement brings joy and peace. My goal is to become certified to teach so that I may introduce TCC to as many people as a possible, but primarily to young people.