New teacher feels stillness in class

Wednesday, February 3, 1999, I held my first two classes at Sun City, Georgetown, Texas. Each class had at least 20 students. Some had had some T’ai Chi [Ch’uan] experience and were looking forward to learning T’ai Chi Chih. Others had attended the free demonstration and, since they liked what they had seen, decided to try it. The class included those with arthritis, knee replacements and one person who had suffered a stroke recently. In a survey of questionnaires I had had them fill out the week before, it became evident that most of the students were there to regain and/or maintain their sense of balance. Also, many are working towards flexibility and serenity.

As the lesson progressed, I was in awe of their concentration and of the quiet and stillness that came over the entire room. I remarked on this and they agreed that the room had become wonderfully still. After the classes, I received many enthusiastic comments. Those who had previously taken some T’ai Chi [Ch’uan] liked this form very much. Thanks from all my students to Justin Stone for originating the easy-to-learn, easy-to-do in a small space, and immediately beneficial form of T’ai Chi, T’ai Chi Chih.