More and More Gifts

Reflecting over 23 years of T’ai Chi Chih (TCC) practice, I am so grateful for the abundant gifts it has brought me.

Physically, there have been many manifestations of improved balance in my body. These include the ability to balance on one foot (which generally deteriorates with age) and standing with my weight equal on both feet.

Roller skating has been my favorite athletic activity since I was a child, yet balance and coordination were a problem for me. Returning to skating at age 47 after not doing it for ten years (most of which time I had been doing TCC), my balance was better than ever before. Climbing trees was another childhood favorite. Not only could I still climb at age 53; I could do Bass Drum seven feet off the ground.

When I began TCC, I had chronic low blood pressure and would start to black out when I stood up from stooping down. Within six months of beginning TCC, my blood pressure came up to normal and has remained so. At a time when so many 60 year olds are taking blood pressure medication, this, too, is a great gift.

TCC has also balanced my metabolism from borderline hypothyroid and hypoglycemic to normal. This helped balance activity and rest, shifting my body from lethargic to energetic. I am more energetic and productive at (almost) 62 years of age than I was in my 30’s. Bringing hormonal balance as well, TCC made menopause quite easy for me.

Emotionally as well as physically, I have enjoyed greater balance. Life’s ups and downs are more like the swells of the ocean rather than huge crashing waves. TCC has been of tremendous value in dealing with grief after the death of my parents and after the divorce from my husband of 15 years.

Mentally, TCC has brought balance – possibly through better communication between the two sides of the brain. The results have been greater mental focus, heightened awareness, increased intuition, and creativity.

Spiritually, TCC’s gentle moving meditation has been instrumental in cultivating my inner life. It has helped open my heart and brought more balance between head-understanding and heart-knowing of who I am.

Thank you, Justin, for the gift of balance through TCC.