Doing It For Myself

T’ai Chi Chih is not only a part of my friend Caroline’s life, but it’s most definitely a way of life for her. We can be at the airport or in line at the mall, and she will begin to gently do the movements. It’s a bit embarrassing sometimes. Doesn’t she notice people staring? If she does, she just smiles softly and continues, one movement flowing into the next one, not trying to show off or get attention. It’s as if her body can’t help it. My husband used to shadow her, exaggerating her every TCC move. And we’d all have a good laugh at her expense.

Although I respected that she embraced this art, I had no intention of learning it. It wasn’t aerobic enough for my lungs. I tend to unconsciously hold my breath during sleep and, so during the day, I need something that forces me to breathe, breathe, breathe.

In September 2010, I received a call from Caroline: she’d decided that I should drive in for eight weeks of class with her now that I was retired. I laughed. Yea, right. Like I’ll drive 90 minutes one-way, spend the night and go home the next day. I’m a busy retired woman; I’ve got a life. But I’d been caught off guard. I began thinking that life was too short, so … why not just go ahead and do this for my friend. I signed up.

A year later, I no longer do TCC for my friend, but for myself. I don’t do it everyday, but I do it every chance I get.

I don’t know how it works, but it does. It’s so subtle. I am more clear-headed and energetic afterward practice. For days. Even my cat is mesmerized. He watches the video as my friends (Victor, Constance, Suni, Rhonda) and I flow through the movements. And Rhonda, I noticed that your last name is St. Martin. Well, I think you have some Cajun cousins in this area. Come have gumbo with us anytime. We’ll even show you a few Cajun or Zydeco movements. Thank you, Justin, for making such a difference in my friend’s life and now mine.