Could TCC Do All That?

Before a recent business trip, my host sent frantic emails saying the place I was to stay would be under construction and it might not work out for me to stay there. As I had no other options, I could have worked myself up into a frenzy, which is exactly how I would have handled such a situation in the past. Instead, I felt a deep calm and a knowing that all would work out just fine when I arrived – and it did.

I spent a week with someone I’ve known for a long time. Her idea of humor is to put people down, laugh and think it’s funny. I used to think so too but not anymore. I found myself withdrawing and finding it all very hurtful instead of humorous. When I experienced discomfort in my body, I used to call the doctor right away and assume the worst. Now I hear a quiet inner voice that guides me, tells me what I need to change in my diet or other habits, and the problem resolves itself.

I’ve been practicing T’ai Chi Chih for 14 years and teaching for 11. Could it be changing me slowly over time? Could these slow, circular, gentle movements really have the power to remake me from the inside out? I think so.