Motivation To Practice Regularly

I teach many classes are for seniors. Through these, I have realized that it is helpful to motivate the students to practice by speaking about the many health benefits of T’ai Chi Chih – particularly those desirable for seniors, such as improved balance, blood pressure regulation, increased bone density, better circulation, leg strength and ease of joint movement.

Enjoying these benefits requires practice on a regular basis since the effects of TCC are cumulative. For this reason, I now often cite various readings from Spiritual Odyssey in class. In one article from Spiritual Odyssey, “The Cumulative Effects of T’ai Chi Chih,” Justin likens the importance of regular TCC practice to that of a ballet dancer practicing faithfully in order to be successful.

Justin points to motivation as the key to practice and persistence. So as a teacher, I transitioned from a focus on how to teach TCC effectively to a desire to motivate my students to practice beyond class time. Reading the following excerpt from Spiritual Odyssey can be very effective in motivating students: “The point is that TCC results are cumulative. Regular practice leads to the Chi firming the bones, and the Chi is progressively stored in the tan t’ien. The changes in personality often become remarkable as the evolving power of the circulated and balanced Chi takes hold. One can literally remake him or herself – if there is the sticking power.” (p. 98)

I often ask students who practice regularly to share positive changes they may have noticed since learning TCC. I am always delighted to see a few hands go up. One student proudly shared how her doctor had taken her off her blood pressure medication and told her to keep practicing TCC. Another student announced that she no longer had to drag around an oxygen tank on wheels. Another said that she used to draw and paint, and that since doing TCC, she was motivated again and doing beautiful work. And another student reported that his memory had improved, and that he had taken up reading again. There is no better motivation for students than to hear positive reports from each other. Using Justin’s writing as a springboard for such discussions is extremely helpful.

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