Blind student learns TCC movements

Justin has asked me to write about one of my students. Her name is Dimetra Stafford. Dimetra is blind. She came to my class about two months ago and has most certainly touched each one of our lives in a very special way.

I received a call from Dimetra asking if she could join my class. She said she was blind but if I could give her a few moves over the telephone she would let me know if she could handle it. I am always up for a challenge so we helped one another through Rocking Motion. Because I could not see her, I became blind on the other end of the telephone. It was really not as difficult as I first imagined. She told me that she would really like to try the class and I agreed to teach her.

Dimetra came early to her first class and I was pleasantly surprised to find out how well she had learned Rocking Motion. When class had assembled, Dimetra was introduced and we had a “get to know you” period. When it was time to stand and get in place for our movements the students all wanted to help her but this doesn’t work too well. I put her directly in front of me so she could hear my voice loud and clear (I have a soft voice). Most of my students have been with me for awhile so they do know the moves. So I tried concentrating on Dimetra’s movements and she really overwhelmed me with her effort. She is very dedicated and puts a whole lot of determination into learning T’ai Chi Chih Joy Thru Movement. I did find that if I closed my eyes I could give a better description of the move. I only do this when Dimetra has a difficult time with a certain part of the move, otherwise it would take away from my other students. I have to be aware of their movements and if they are doing them correctly. My students are something else. They help her in everyway they can. One student even gave her the T’ai Chi Chih video to “listen” to at home. This lady is going to learn T’ai Chi Chih Joy Thru Movement! The remarkable thing about this situation is that our group has really bonded because of Dimetra and we are certainly sharing the Chi.

I would certainly appreciate it if anyone could give me any information that might help in this journey.

I have learned this, that with T’ai Chi Chih practice, nothing is impossible. Thank-you again Justin for leading us all on the path.