New Beginnings (February 2011)

Life is full of new beginnings. From the time we are born and with each new day, our journey offers us many opportunities for new beginnings: when we go to school, when we marry, when we find work, when we receive children, when we are promoted, and when we retire. Thirty-four years ago I had a new beginning as a Director of Pastoral Care. After retirement, I had a new beginning as the Pastoral Visitor for First Presbyterian Church. And in 2003 I was certified as a T’ai Chi Chih instructor – another new beginning. I have taught a TCC class at the Wellness Center for the past 10 years, and recently I received this letter from two students after two months of class. Practicing TCC daily is a new beginning for Pete and Kathy:

“We knew very little about TCC when we approached you to teach us. Over the past couple of months we have learned so much that we wanted to share what it has meant to us. Pete describes this as a series of moving meditations. He read that it was good for balance and knew that as we get older, balance can sometimes be a problem. He also thought it would be good for relaxation and would provide other health benefits for the inner organs and muscles. These movements offer benefits to anyone at any age. The most difficult aspect for him was knowing how to perform the movements correctly and remembering the order of the movements. 

I describe this as a series of 19 standing movements and 1 posture that circulates and balances the energy within our bodies so that we become serene beings in the midst of a chaotic world. During practice, I can feel the energy circulating within my body connecting me to everything and everyone in the world and beyond. Once learned, the movements can be done anywhere, any time, alone or in a group; they require no special outfits, no special equipment. I am not a morning person, but I have started setting my alarm to have a TCC practice at the start of my day to energize me, balance me, and set the tone for the day. The movements are not physically difficult, but they are mentally challenging at first. Initially, I felt kind of silly and uncoordinated doing some of the movements. It would be almost impossible to master them with only a book or a DVD and without a knowledgeable, patient teacher. We both got frustrated at different times and appreciated your patient feedback and encouragement. Thank you for the gift of TCC.”