Freedom From Pain

I am a new practitioner of T’ai Chi Chih and had the good fortune to stumble upon Hope Spangler’s class at Yavapai College, not knowing what I was beginning. But there are no coincidences, are there? I am 67 years old and have practiced many meditative and energy processes in my life such as yoga and Vipassana meditation. So, I was able to sink into the process quickly.

The best thing about TCC is its gentleness and its principle of constant movement. I work at a difficult education management job nine to ten hours a day, and have the full gambit of stress symptoms, and severe arthritis. Until 15 years ago, I always worked on my feet, but no more. I haven’t been able to walk barefoot for five years, have had two foot surgeries during that time, and have used a cane for much of it. After a year of recovery, I could not walk without pain, nor hike, nor walk very far at all.

Hope reassured me I could do TCC, however modified. Immediately, I felt the energy move through my body, and it was hot and tingly. I didn’t mind not being able to rock fully; beginner’s mind is a beautiful place to be, and I had no expectations. Six months later, I have experienced profound changes, and nothing in my life has changed but taking up TCC. I can do TCC barefoot in the grass and on my carpet. I am able to walk miles at a time with minimal pain and without walking sticks; I walk an hour a day, and my hips swing.

I have much more energy. Often, the stress-induced chronic misalignment in my upper back, shoulders, and neck realigns itself during practice. I believe I will be able to practice TCC throughout my life. The best thing? I am happy.