Making News (June 1992)

Alison Douglas, Wyandotte, MI forwarded a full page article (with two pictures) which appeared in the local paper–its title was “T’ai Chi Chih: Seniors learn how to relax with Asian technique.” Following are excerpts from the article.

The 45-minute session was almost hypnotizing in its slow-paced thoughtful progression. Leading the group through the movements, Douglas’ soft voice was as much a part of the session as the movements. “We want to feel the joy of life. Stress and tension are not our natural state.” Gentle, rocking motions of the feet and fluid hand movements make up the routine. The seniors were urged to concentrate on the uniformity of their movements instead of straining to see how far they could extend. The instructor stressed the importance of a calm, centered attitude. For the seniors taking part in their first lesson, the exercise was a revelation. “I feel relaxed but not tired,” one student said. “I have a bad back and legs, but my doctor said this was good, and it is.”

Hope Ridley, Menlo Park, CA was featured in an article published in The Times under the section called Roads to Fitness. Titled “There’s more to being fit than meets the eye”, the reporter said, “For most people, the road to fitness included only those activities related to maintaining cardiovascular efficiency and developing muscular strength. Along the way, other important aspects of total fitness are either ignored or neglected. Flexibility, balance and correct posture are also important components of overall fitness that require our attention and effort. The ability to handle and reduce stress brought about by the hectic pace and pressures of daily life is another factor comprising total fitness. T’ai Chi Chih is an activity which concentrates on these vital fitness areas…..It consists of movements which emphasize self-awareness, relaxation, peace of mind, and internal energy balancing along with developing flexibility, balance, and correct posture.” Hope Ridley is an experienced instructor who will be teaching a series of introductory T’ai Chi Chih classes at the Foster City Recreation Center (Foster City, CA).

Deborah Bosse invited students to a “Joy through Movement” Open House in Pleasanton, CA to assist their awakening process. She wrote, “While engaging in various kinds of physical activities that enhance circulation and muscle tone, it’s important to remember that the mind also needs ‘toning’. Take time to explore new ideas and concepts with the same vigor and enthusiasm that you bring to the exploration of outdoor activities and adventures.”

More Making News

Lisette Tingsdahl, Janesville, WI was presented in a two page article (with pictures) in the April/May issue of New Avenues. To quote portions: “During the course of our life we learn technical and practical skills necessary for survival. However RELAXING which is also a skill to be acquired, is yet to be included in educational curriculum for our children. So people seek out relaxation classes, once the tension pattern is cemented into their life. Well, better late than never! ….To relax is to empty the mind so the body can let go of tension which inhibits the blood flow and consequently the flow of CHI. When we empty the mind (no thoughts) the cerebral cortex rests. On an electroencephalogram, the alpha waves become greater in amplitude and slower in rhythm (different yet than sleeping wave patterns). This alpha wave pattern occurs when practicing T’ai Chi Chih, focusing the awareness on the Bubbling Spring (soles of the feet). In this quiet state, the vital organs experience a rest also as the metabolic rate can readjust for efficiency without any resistance due to tension. ..T’ai Chi Chih contributes to life quality. In it’s simplicity it can teach us how to get in touch with our essence and how to prioritize in every area of our life. Then we are centered and become more efficient in handling our responsibilities.

Body, mind, spirit connection ‘becomes’, and all is, as it is meant to be.”