Change & Realization

I was teaching an eight-week class through Minneapolis Community Education when an elderly student came into class leaning on her son. She was leading with a cane in one hand and dragging an oxygen tank in the other. The woman explained that her doctor suggested that she try T’ai Chi because there was nothing else he could do for her.

The beginning students sat in a circle and shared what had brought them to T’ai Chi Chih. I shared that TCC provides the same benefits whether you do them standing or sitting, so students should feel comfortable sitting if necessary. Although this particular student would try a couple of repetitions and then sit down, she was determined to stand as much as possible. After the first eight-week session, she shared that her doctor was very pleased with her improvements.

When the winter session began, she arrived with a smaller oxygen tank and her cane. Over the course of eight weeks, she stood for more and more movements each week. At the end the last class, she reported that her doctor was even happier about her progress and that he wanted her to continue. He even helped get her insurance reimbursement for the cost of the class.

When the spring session began, she arrived without an oxygen tank, and she only sat during the class discussions. On the last night, when we sat and shared our experiences, my “oxygen student” said that she’d enjoyed TCC but was disappointed: “I thought my balance would improve but it hasn’t.” Before I could say anything another student chimed in: “You must be kidding. Do you remember when you first came to class dragging an oxygen tank and hauling a cane and you needed to sit down a lot?” She looked surprised. I added, “Do you think that TCC has been part of that change for you?” She was quiet and then looked up, “I guess it has.”

This delightful student came to every class, was faithful to her daily practice and bought Justin’s DVD and book the first night of class. Getting better took her by surprise. Over nine months she had changed from a frail, grey-faced, bent-over, oxygen-dependent woman to one who smiled, stood almost-straight, breathed without help and stood and shifted her weight for one hour without support. The Chi so totally flowed through her that she didn’t even realize it was healing and strengthening her. It just became a part of who she was. Because of her, I, too, became more aware of how TCC has healed me and carried me forward. All I needed to do was pay attention.