More Student Assignments

Editor’s Note: As Donna said after collecting these, “I loved reading these pieces and thinking about the students. I feel their JOY in their words; it’s wonderful to reexperience that. I benefit yet again through their comments of joy, health, life changes.”

“I’ve seen a personal growth and awareness of life around me through T’ai Chi Chih (TCC). Before I began TCC I never realized how much I took for granted, especially of life. Being bipolar, I have spent most of my life alone and not very aware of the outside world. Now married and with a child, we have slowly begun to emerge as a family and our home life is calmer now.

My body is also sick with arthritis, but I feel better and take less pain medication.

Most incredible is the new way I see life — every day I run outside to watch my flowers and plants bloom, say hello to my neighbors, even attend a TCC class, something a few months ago I wouldn’t have done.” — Jody G.

“I am excited about learning T’ai Chi Chih (TCC) and connecting with the energy of the universe. As a student of only three months, I have so much to learn and to look forward to. I am trying hard to make TCC a way of life for the rest of my life. TCC feels like something I have been searching for, for a very long time. It feels like a mind, body, and soul experience. My hope is that as I learn to experience the energy (Chi) of TCC that I will become a better and stronger person in mind, body, and spirit.

Since I have fibromyalgia, my body tends to be tired and achy; there are days when I am mentally sluggish. TCC has helped already. Some days after TCC I have noticed more energy and mental clarity. This is truly my hope for the future. I realize that TCC is not a cure-all but rather a way of life. It helps keep things in perspective and enriches my life beyond my imagination.

I have Justin’s and Carmen’s videos, both excellent and offering variety for practicing. I have not yet learned to practice completely by myself. I long to progress to the point of “the effort of no effort” and exhibit the grace and softness of Donna, Carmen, and Justin.” — Bobbie W.

“In June 2005, I had cancer surgery. Anxious to heal, I researched several options which led me to a chiropractor who also practices nutritional counseling, kinesiology, and other well-being methods. When I asked about various “exercises” to enhance healing, he suggested T’ai Chi Chih (TCC). My surgeon gave me a green light to join a class. Because I was still recovering from surgery, I was mindful of any activity that might aggravate the healing process.

Throughout my life I have tried various exercise classes but did not continue with any. Unlike other programs, TCC does not require equipment, a change of clothing, or a dedicated room. When I’ve had a stressful workday, I can stop and do a quick TCC practice, which immediately brings calm. On vacation, at the airport, during a workday and more, I can always have a quick practice. TCC is appropriate for everyone at any age and physical ability. A life changer and life enhancer.” — D.R.

“In Donna’s intermediate class, we studied Justin’s book, Climb the Joyous Mountain, reading a chapter each week and then discussing it. I really enjoyed the experiential nature of this book. Justin wrote about his travels to the East. His adventurous spirit and respect for other cultures stood out. He seemed to fit in and make friends wherever he went because he had an open mind and warm heart.

I especially liked the chapter “Provincialism.” Justin never idealized a culture and saw that all people have similar tendencies to put blinders on about customs that are different from their own. Justin was a deep thinker who learned from his experiences and synthesized them for the benefit of his readers.” — Dotty H.