Intentionality, Integrity, Essence Manifested

In 1985 when T’ai Chi Chih (TCC) was being offered at Villa Maria Nursing Home in Fargo, North Dakota, many of the residents were unable to stand securely. It seemed only natural to have them sit, placing the foot forward that would correspond to either the left or right sided movement. Some would keep their feet stationary (focusing on grounding, rootedness), some would put one foot forward, some would do the standard foot–lifting first one foot’s toes, then the other foot’s heel–movements sitting down. My daughter Kathryn (then 3 years old, now 15 years, certified three years ago) came with me to these classes for three years. She would assist the elders with forming the circles. they loved the interaction with a child who could barely articulate clearly while she’d exclaim “Can’t you feel the ‘nergy?” Alzheimer’s patients would cease their restless pacing and frequent mismatching topics in conversations while practicing. Parkinson patients would not quiver nor shake with the movement, amazing themselves that the uncontrollable body responses from their nervous systems misfiring had quieted.

The staff was consistent with feedback on increased appetites of participants, sleeping pattern adjustments, moods and dispositions mellowing and the overall sense of peace that followed these twice weekly sessions. The sessions were held between 4 and 5 pm, a time noted by the staff as “disruptive”–close to supper time, sundown, and irritation. they could not believe the calmness that would overcome the entire area when we would practice at this time.

One of my TCC students, Gail Braaten, (who was also doing a practicuum with me to advance her nursing degree) did research for her preceptorship relating the results of a 12 week study with blood pressure regulating, appetite increasing, moods leveling out, and rapid healing with two who had broken their hips. Self-reports evidenced increased energy, electric hands, relaxation, tingling fingers, no soreness or stiffness, finally feeling ‘good’ sensations in my body, better sleeping on days that TCC was practiced. That study was done in the spring quarter of 1987 and if anyone is interested in reading Gail’s research, let me know. I have a copy. In fact, I believe we still have a copy on video monitoring the progress. It was later shown on the local news to educate on wellness with seniors.

I’ve practiced sitting TCC for years to alleviate the anxiety of flying in an airplane and to decrease tiredness while I drive around the state teaching! What totally convinced me of the power of the ‘chi’ while sitting, was when I experienced a debilitating knee injury from soccer. Dr. Lundeen advised surgery. I said, “I’ll do TCC instead”. He laughed and said, “I’ll see you back here!”. He did. Three years later. This time with the same type of injury to the OTHER knee! He advised the same treatment–surgery. I showed him my totally healed knee from TCC. He was surprised! I let him know I wanted to be sure that the healing was complete on the first injury (which he confirmed). I chose to use TCC with the second injury. It worked! Two knee challenges enough, I quit my soccer team!

One of my first students, Doris Wright,–who was referred to the course by her physician as a last option before back surgery–could not stand for the first class. She was so frustrated with herself for not being able to stand that she had to be encouraged by her physician to return. Each class she felt better and better. Her physician continued to encourage her. By the 8th lesson she was standing and doing all the movements. She avoided back surgery. Delightedly she reported finally being able to do her own grocery shopping and housework! In addition she gained the 30 pounds she had lost with back distress and loss of appetite and energy. She continues to do T’ai Chi Chih regularly. (The physician, Dr. Fred Everett, is the father of Megan Everett, now a Certified T’ai Chi Chih instructor. This was before Megan’s certification, and prefaced by his brief introduction to T’ai Chi Chih.)

Over the years when I have gone to the hospital to consult, I have noted that sitting T’ai Chi Chih is extremely beneficial for alleviating the anxiety and physical discomfort patients express. On the psychiatric unit we have practiced sitting T’ai Chi Chih and to the amazement of the participants their back pain dissipates, they feel the energy surging through the meridians and are amazed at how their feelings and mood changes positively. Patients have even practiced the movements flat on their back. They maintain the focus point on the soles of their feet with the intentionality of emptying the mind. It works. The stories I have been blessed to hear from numerous students would fill books! Sitting to do T’ai Chi Chih is totally natural when there is some obstruction to standing! Go with the flow of it. The essence! Have faith in what WE as instructors have evidenced in our own bodies and lives.