Life-Saving Benefits of TCC

T’ai Chi Chih has been an integral part of my life and spiritual path since my first class in early 2002. My initial teachers were Barbara Riley and John Steinmetz, along with April Leffler in Pennsylvania when I was able to travel there. They embody the practice and are personally inspiring to me. Little did I know how important the daily practice and weekly classes would be until late 2003 when my path turned abruptly into a medical sidetrack.

Throughout the next nine years, during diagnosis, chemo, breast surgery and brain radiation for Stage IV metastatic breast cancer, which traveled to bone and brain, I continued routine practice of TCC. It is such a gentle, energy balancing, Chi circulating and engaging practice that it supported and enhanced my healing even when other forms of exercise were not an option. I could even do many of the movements seated if my energy level was too low for me to stand. I attended weekly class/practice when medical treatment permitted and the additional infusion of Chi while practicing with others was an added benefit.

I am grateful to share that my most recent scans show no active cancer in the bones or elsewhere (my initial prognosis was two to three years). TCC also helped with the emotional discomfort of treatment and change in my lifestyle by keeping me focused on self-care and energy/emotional balance. It was and is important for me to feel a deep connection with my body and the energy that sustains it. TCC is a lifesaver and promoter. Thank you, Justin Stone, and all my teachers and fellow students.

Pyramid Poems On Silence

hear

silence

listen for

revelations

from wisdom

of the

Chi

– MAGGIE

hear

silence

no one speak

listen to me

i can hear

only

me

– MERLE SMITH

deep

silence

gentle rest

Chi finds its way

deep in my

being

now

– SHERYL ADAIR

breathe

repeat

sacred words

from a time past

bring to life

knowledge

deep

– DEBRA WINLAND

i

cannot

remember

experience

only the

essence

self

– JENETH RUNDLE

while

in my

favorite

meditation

unguided

mind mine

gone

– BROCK

be

silent

yet in full

feel the beauty

deep within

coming

now

– PAULINE QUIMSON

know

silence

of being

in the moment

knowing

stillness

bliss

– ROBERT MONTES DE OCA

be

so still

rest your mind

honor yourself

connect now

with all

life

– DIANE MOODY

voice

calling

be silent

go deeper and

discover

your true

self

– CAROLINE GUILLOT