By Current Students, To Future Students

Editor’s Note: Longtime T’ai Chi Chih teacher Donna McElhose asked her current students to write a note to future students of TCC. Below are a few of many, which began with salutory greeting like Dear Future Student or Dear Newbie.

Dear New Student,

It was not until the last four weeks of T’ai Chi Chih class that all the beautiful moves and motions made sense. Then I could appreciate its subtle beauty. Please pay attention and open your heart and learn. — K.

Dear New Student,

Make sure you have an accredited T’ai Chi Chih instructor certified by Justin Stone. When I started, Donna was the only one in Lake County. She is a perfectionist of the art. Always soft-spoken she will make your journey one of Joy through Movement. Remember to practice. You will gain more from this than you could ever imagine. Enjoy your journey. — K. S.

Dear Student,

Welcome. I hope you gain as much pleasure and benefit from practicing this form called T’ai Chi Chih as I have. I know you will also enjoy being with your fellow students; you will also teach each other. Before beginning TCC, I only knew T’ai Chi from television and movies, where people flew through the air or fought an evil enemy. Even so, it was still graceful, and I always wanted to do something graceful. After a few attempts at T’ai Chi, I wanted a simpler, more meditative movement. When I saw a class for TCC in the College of Lake County schedule that described it as a “soft and easy to learn form,” I signed up. Thirteen years later, TCC is part of who I am and what I do. Benefits have included better balance, more flexibility, and more importantly, an increased ability to focus, relax, and become more peaceful. — N. L.

Hello!

So, you are interested in T’ai Chi Chih, huh? It was and still is a life changing practice for me. The first semester was done standing. I was baffled at first; there were a lot of things going on. The biggest challenge was physically keeping up. I have crappy knees. I would wear braces but it was still very painful. Donna said that in the Fall semester, they were offering a seated class. Let me tell you, future student, TCC can be done seated or standing. No matter which path you choose, you have to commit. Practice, practice and yep, practice. Even 10 minutes a day pays dividends. You will see. By doing TCC seated, I am more in tune with the arm movements. I have learned much more. Entering the meditative state is much easier. Donna is very knowledgeable about the material and has the gift of helping people see what they need during the courses. I would say she has been teaching a while, ya know? Best of luck to you on your journey. — G. S.

Hello Prospective Student,

I had some initial apprehensions regarding this T’ai Chi Chih course. The seated aspect made me think of a class for seniors. Since I’m still young, it brought up insecurities of people looking in, watching, and making fun of me. I also wondered how the movements could possibly make more difference than just stretching. At my first class another fear was realized: I was the only male. Thankfully, I stuck with the course and didn’t let those fears affect me. I am beset by injuries, especially ligament problems in my ankles and wrists. The gentle movements helped relieve a lot of pain and discomfort. I have also felt the energy in some movements which I never thought I would. Donna is very patient and understanding and will make sure you understand what you are doing and why. Look past any preconceptions you have and give this class a try. You will find benefits and realize it was a good use of your time. — S.

Hi there,

Practicing T’ai Chi Chih outside of class is very important. Otherwise, you don’t realize what you don’t know. Don’t get frustrated. The movements will come eventually. One day you won’t even notice whatever was giving you problems. — Anon.

Dear TCC Beginner,

I hope T’ai Chi Chih practice is going well. Isn’t it exciting? How did you make the decision to go to a TCC class? Let me share my start in TCC. I’d always read about Eastern stuff and found an AARP article that said TCC was good for health reasons. I went to the first class hoping for serenity but also fearing it wouldn’t be a good fit. I’ve been going to TCC classes for two years now, and my hopes have been realized tenfold. I had no idea what I was getting into. When I first started TCC, I just followed the teacher’s movements. They seemed mostly like hand movements. It was like Charlie Brown hearing his parents: blah, blah, blah, blah. Now the TCC principles have become second nature. I’m coming to trust myself within, but I still have to pay attention to the teacher. You’ve already heard the principles: Focus on your feet, be as soft as you can, be smooth, effortless, patient, with upright posture. — Anon.

Dear New Students,

Congratulations on your decision to enroll in T’ai Chi Chih. I believe things happen for a reason and I first became involved with TCC when two people from my church encouraged me to join them. I assumed TCC was a form of yoga exercise so imagine that first night when I was told it was moving meditation and I had to concentrate in the soles of my feet. I finally got it halfway through the semester and I can’t thank enough the people who suggested I join them. It has been the most wonderful experience and continues to amaze me. Despite the stress in my life, I can now concentrate while doing the movements. All my troubles float away, and I have much more peace in my life. The group practices helped build trust in people, and I am a better person with improved self-confidence. I have more respect for the world and people. The people who signed up with me dropped out within a couple of weeks after we started. But this is one of the best decisions I ever made, and I encourage everyone to join. You will be amazed at what it can do for you. — J. F.

Dear New Student,

This wise owl offers a very important message: Be wise and schedule time for practice of the T’ai Chi Chih movements every day. This does not mean that you do all of them each time you practice. If you are waiting for a phone call, laundry, dinner to bake, just do a movement. Remember to flow softly. Be aware of a correct weight-shifting. Remember the effort of no effort. Be patient and with time you will gradually sink into the essence of TCC, says this wise owl. — E. S.

Dear Beginning T’ai Chi Chih Student,

Welcome to our practice. You are in for some wonderful changes in your life, physically and spiritually. As you learn the movements, they will seem really easy to do. However, as you internalize the movements and practice regularly, you will realize there is so much more to explore. I investigated TCC out of curiosity. After retirement I promised to explore everything that interested me, including TCC. I initially stayed because it seemed like a no brainer: easy to do and little time needed. Having a patient, non-judgmental instructor like Donna enhanced my learning. As I continued to take classes and refine my practice, I learned the content was much deeper. This is the beauty of TCC: the simple and easy-to-learn movements encourage you to continue and allow you to examine your mind and body in a deeper manner.

Over time, the benefits grew. I became more aware of energy flow within my body. I was becoming a more thoughtful person. I approached each day with an attitude of gratitude. I found myself in a comfortable community of learners who helped me to expand my thinking. Physical pains and soreness were lessened. I now carve out time for quiet, peaceful meditation. My connection with all, globally and universally, became more apparent. Class assignments and readings showed me how all in life are truly one. With that said, I extend my best wishes to you with the hopes that TCC will find a permanent place in your life. — A continuing TCC student