Both Partners, Stronger With Each Practice

I’ve been practicing T’ai Chi Chih for two and one-half years thanks to Pat Moseley. After being diagnosed with cancer in my spinal canal and breaking a hip, I was using a walker and had little feeling in my feet. I also had terrible balance and walking issues. Pat informed me that she was starting a weekly TCC class that might be beneficial. Forever the skeptic, I agreed – not realizing what lay ahead. My first session began with seated TCC, completely convincing me this was not going to work or help. However, I continued to attend class and practice at home and work during the week. Pat had placed the fear of God in me and I didn’t want to disappoint her good intentions. It was discouraging in class to realize that I was working and sweating like crazy, but everybody else was calmly flowing through the movements. Gradually I noticed small changes in my ability to maneuver. Perhaps this really works. Pool therapy was the only other thing I was doing, and I had been doing that previously.

Pat was very patient and allowed me to get away with some really bad habits. She was always encouraging even when it was a struggle for me to practice. The improvements continued so I continued. It has been difficult for me to master the movements (I still struggle), but I’m actually at a point of knowing what I should be doing, and I frequently move correctly. When I do it brings a special feeling. After a full session I’m energized and ready to go physically, mentally and spiritually. The class has also introduced me to many new friends who share my thoughts and interests. I recommend TCC to all of my friends, especially those suffering physically. Last year my wife started practicing as well, always using the video at home and making me feel guilty if I don’t join her.

In retrospect I really never thought I could move and enjoy life as I currently do again. I have not fallen in over six months, which is a huge change. I’ve not ridden a bike in five years but soon that will change. I can walk without crutches on occasion, and next week I will hook up our trailer to spend a week on the Pacific Coast. Yes, there are limitations, but TCC has given me back a large part of my once-active life. Thank you, Pat, for introducing me to this experience and constantly motivating me to do more.

By Laura Schwartz, Spokane, WA

I have been practicing T’ai Chi Chih for about two years now, and I have experienced a huge improvement in my health. In fact, in my wildest dreams, I could not have imagined that it would be so improved. I was born with rickets and suffered a crack in my right femur about 10 years ago that never quite healed. So when I began TCC classes with my wonderful instructor, Pat Moseley, I walked with a pronounced limp and was unable to walk up and down stairs “one-foot-to-one-step” at a time. My balance was quite poor, and I was unable to exercise without significant pain. I was also more than a few pounds overweight, which added to the discomfort.

The first thing I noticed about the practice was its ability to help me relax and the feeling of wellbeing it brought. I really loved that, so I began to practice daily. I bought a video and took it to work with me so that I could use it during my lunch hour. This helped me stay alert throughout the afternoon, whereas before I had been so sleepy. Then I began to realize I was getting stronger. With each practice session I saw improvement in my balance; my sessions no longer involved pain. I was hooked. I have now dropped over 50 pounds and have begun modest weight-bearing exercises. I’ve stopped smoking, too. And my mood is certainly improved – just ask my husband. I am very thankful to the God that brought it, my instructor, her husband and the great group who practices together.