Losing Weight, Gaining More

Thank you, Justin Stone, for the creation of T’ai Chi Chih. I am a believer. I took a TCC course in Spring 2010 with Jean Katus and I enjoyed it so much that I ordered the DVD and practiced everyday over the summer. I had read that it may be beneficial with weight issues, and I have struggled for years with my weight. No matter what exercise regimen or dieting changes I made, I simply was not losing weight and any minor success was short lived. So I decided to try something different. I found that after adding TCC to my daily routine that I just felt better, happier, and more balanced overall – which led to my continued daily practice. By Fall 2010 I found I had lost a modest 10 pounds, which translated into a full clothing size. I am ecstatic about this and have maintained this loss. 

It was not until I introduced TCC to my daily life that any of the lifestyle changes I had previously made seemed to bear fruit. I believe this is as good as vigorous exercise because it does take effort and concentration to remain graceful and to move slowly and gently in this way. And yet it is effortless. The more I try to perfect my movements and the more slowly I try to move, the more benefits I seem to gain. It is easy to maintain my practice because practicing does not create pain, but rather it reduces bodily discomforts. 

I have more energy than I’ve ever had in the past, as if this has given my metabolism a boost, which has led to increased activity in other areas of my life. I went into TCC without any expectations. If it simply helped me feel healthier and have some peace, that would have been good enough. But I have gotten much more out of it. Since I am achieving my overall goals, this contributes to my desire to continue daily practice, which is important to achieving lasting change.