Mental Effects Of TCC: Priceless Treasure

Many who teach T’ai Chi Chih focus on the powerful effects of Chi circulation and the physical benefits: stress reduction, improved balance and sleep, regulation of weight and blood pressure, etc. We may not fully realize how it also benefits our mental state over time, influencing our thoughts and reactions throughout life. The following experience illustrates the benefits of a tranquil mind. This is a true story about a health challenge I faced last year and what role 25 years of TCC meditation had on the experience.

I came down with a virus in October 2011, but continued to teach TCC classes. My doctor confirmed that I had a virus and said, “There is nothing to do but go home, rest, drink water, and wait three weeks.” At the end of week two, I sought out an acupuncture doctor for a second opinion. She read my pulses and was surprised to find a problem in the lung meridian.

The following week, while teaching, I felt very ill, experiencing an increasing pain in my right upper chest. I had to lie down on the floor immediately … and get help. Then things began to speed up: chest x-rays, blood tests, and antibiotics. During this period, my mind was calm, very calm. I was not worried or afraid. My first thought was that this illness was an opportunity to draw closer to God.

My doctor was now convinced that I was ill. This necessitated canceling all my TCC classes for November and December. I wrote to my students telling them why classes were cancelled and encouraging them not to focus on the details, but to stay centered on wellness for themselves and for me. My mind was amazingly serene, undisturbed by others’ anxiety and worry. It held only positive thoughts and responses.

With antibiotics, I started feeling somewhat better, but the results of the chest x-ray were not good. A mass in my lung was identified. A CT scan was ordered. The results were not good. A PET scan was ordered. The results were not good. My doctor regretfully told me that the scans all pointed to lung cancer. At this point, I felt a surge of tranquility flood my whole body. My mind remained calm, open and steady. I felt clear and grounded, detached from the diagnostic details. I was more interested in comforting my doctor than worrying about myself.

I was told to see the oncologist immediately. After the exam, I was informed that I probably had lung cancer, but the details did not add up. He encouraged me to go on the two-week planned vacation to Kauai with my husband, and then do another scan on my return. My mind remained open and positive to what was unfolding. I felt very calm, encouraging others to not get caught up in fear. It felt like a fluid situation that could go in any direction. I believed a miracle could be one outcome.

After my return from Hawaii, another scan was done. The results came back on December 19th. I had lived with the idea that I might see Jesus a lot sooner than I had planned. Miraculously, the mass in the lung had shrunk by more than half. Unheard of, according to my oncologist. “We just don’t see this result very often.” A miracle, I thought. I felt humbled and amazed.

I continued to do 15 health-affirming procedures including TCC, prayer and meditation. I continued a two-month voluntary diet that eliminated all sugars, wheat, dairy, caffeine, sodas, etc.; I ate only fruits, vegetables and meat. I began doing an Ayervedic oil-pulling practice daily, along with several other therapies. By late January, I decided to resume teaching TCC and gradually get back to other responsibilities. My mind was determined and open. I felt very calm, even content and happy in the events of each day. My goal was to aid the shrinking of the mass.

What carried me through this health challenge? What kept me mentally calm every day? What gave me the inner knowing that all was well when the facts said otherwise? What gave me the inner joy to encourage others and calm them when they heard about my illness?

I am clear that years of TCC meditation were the key.

The practice of focused awareness is cumulative over time, gradually building up a serene frame of mind. Even when bad news comes, the mind remains tranquil. The practice of calm mind abiding in a relaxed body arises not only during practice, but throughout the day. Regular meditation transforms a person’s mental state, and over time helps dissolve patterns of anxiety.

What Justin Stone told us many times is true:

T’ai Chi Chih meditation is a powerful practice that can influence your life greatly. It can help you respond to negative events in life with serenity and non-attachment.

During my final visit to the oncologist in April, he confirmed that the mass was nearly gone. His parting words to me were, “I consider this case closed and I never want to see you again. I just want to say that if I ever get diagnosed with cancer, I am going to call you and ask you to tell me about everything you did.” As I left the office, I placed a TCC brochure on his desk.