Know About Us: Lois Mahaney

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Born in 1917 in Hancock, way up in the Keweenaw Peninsula of upper Michigan, of Finnish and German parentage, I attended schools in Michigan and Wisconsin, getting through one year of college before the depression cut short any further schooling in favor of working for a living. Got a job with a chemical company, then joined the WAAC during World War II. A work ethic was established early on in life; discipline enhanced by the Service. Married (widowed now), mother of two boys and one girl and two grandsons attending Sacramento State University.

When my youngest child entered first grade, I decided to finish my education. Enrolled at San Jose State and completed work at California State University Hayward, earning a Teaching Credential. Retired about nine years ago but I continue to do substitute teaching. I enroll in a variety of classes and try to sandwich them in with civic activities, newsletter for two organizations, board meetings as an officer in two groups, and teaching T’ai Chi Chih in adult schools. I hold a “come anyone” practice session at a local park every Sunday morning.

Recently, I gave a T’ai Chi Chih demonstration at a local high school to a Social Awareness class. The instructor wanted to show his class that aging does not limit but enhances ones abilities and interests. The students were in a Seniors Honors Class and the response from them when they did T’ai Chi Chih was phenomenal. They listened, followed directions, moved gracefully and sent out such powerful Chi that my hands began to flutter. An explanation was, of course, forthcoming–that it was their energy that was being absorbed and was causing the movement. After class, many gathered around to ask further questions. If this class was any indication of the quality of young people that are emerging from our schools, I feel that we can be encouraged as to the health of our society.

T’ai Chi Chih has enabled me to actively participate in a variety of activities with a purposeful calmness. I don’t visualize myself as making any great changes in the world but feel that any of the benefits of T’ai Chi Chih that I can transmit to those with whom I come in contact will be multiplied.