By Parker Reynolds, Strongsville, Ohio

I had a hard time coming out from under the anesthesia of my 5-hour hip surgery. It was a struggle. In one of my semi-lucid moments, I started a mental T’ai Chi Chih (TCC) practice. Feeling and imagining each movement. Halfway through Rocking Motion I felt myself relax. I could feel the Chi circulating. I did nod off a couple times during the practice, but I would become aware and continue from where I remembered I had left off. I continued to do this twice every day during my 11-day hospital stay. This healing practice centered and grounded me. The pain was insignificant, the healing was ahead of the 14-day estimated discharge date the doctor had spoken of. I believe the silent practice was the major factor.

By Sherry Corson, Spearfish, South Dakota

Lots of thoughts come after my T’ai Chi Chih (TCC) practice today. It’s so interesting how each day and practice are different. Today I had the profound experience of feeling connected and part of the mountains and trees which I see. To feel that mysterious connection of everything is so special. The Chi always shows me something different each practice. Today I felt how important it was to relax my shoulders in all the movements. I made a point today of totally relaxing the hands and fingers; that made a huge difference in feeling the Chi. Relaxing the hands during Cosmic Consciousness Pose made that posture feel more grounding. The other huge thing I discovered was to relax and let go of the belly area when grounding between movements. 

Being retired, I listen to too much news. Turning it off, putting on some music and doing TCC keeps me grounded in hope for the future of our country.

By Lynne Roberts, Missoula, Montana

Well, here I go: I have been struggling with severe stenosis (back issues) for several months and am scheduled to have surgery on March 8th. I continue to teach my T’ai Chi Chih (TCC) classes throughout the week. I begin standing, but I sit if needed. I, of course, explain the benefits of TCC seated. The students are so grateful for me showing up which adds another piece to me showing up. I don’t walk well, very slowly and clumsy, and I dislike having them see me like that. I arrive early so my walking up the stairs and getting things setup is done far in advance.

That said, TCC is, and has been, such an important part of my life over the past 30 years. I have taught classes in many venues over these years. I was often the only TCC teacher in the area, as the students who became teachers here moved to other states. I practice on Zoom with various teachers which allows me to keep the special connection with my TCC friends.

I’m extremely grateful for Justin Stone and TCC. I have learned and grown with courage, faith, and determination. There’s so much more that I have received from TCC ;and being able to share TCC with others is an incredible gift.