News From TCC At Folsom

It has been a few years since I’ve shared an update from the Folsom Prison T’ai Chi Chih (TCC) class, and in spite of Covid and lockdown gaps, the class is thriving. For 15 months my assistant Mari and I were unable to get any information about our students. However, I was allowed to send lessons, and so I sent questions to answer from the textbook, as well as inspirational prompts for their ongoing practice. These were very much appreciated by the men and helped them feel connected to our community.

The first day back we were like puppies, wagging our tails and tripping over each other, glad to be together again. As we began the practice, it was like we didn’t miss a beat. We flowed like sweet honey. My heart soared. I knew Mari and I had succeeded in passing on the precious gift Justin had given — something they would have for the rest of their lives.

If you are new to TCC, you may not be aware of the Folsom prison class. Thanks to my teacher and her teacher, Folsom has had a TCC class since 1998. For 13 years, teaching it has been an absolute highlight of my life. The student feedback is overwhelmingly positive, and they have said that no matter where they go or what they do, they will never forget their TCC classes. One student on his way to TCC class a few years ago ran into a 22-year-old friend. His friend didn’t look good, so he inquired as to his situation. The friend broke down and sobbed. He had some pills in his pocket and was headed back to his cell to take his life. Our student urged him instead to come to TCC class. I rarely allow a new student to show up and attend, as there is a waiting list, but I could tell something was up and made an exception. Richard stayed that day and never missed a class.

In other news, Lawrence, our class poet, was released in 2021 and is currently living with his wife near Atlanta. He has since attended my online class and met students who supported him during our Circles of Light event.

On a sadder note, my inmate-assistant Stephen died from cancer. He took care of our music, managed our class library, set out handouts, and always served food at our banquets. He was a dear friend of everyone in the class and is greatly missed.

The men at Folsom know and feel they are a part of something larger, something beautiful. They have met and been taught by Tara Stiles, Judy Tretheway, Sister Antonia, Sandy McAlister, John Steinmetz, Lisa Stroyan, and my assistant Mari (for six years). They have enjoyed healthy food at our annual banquet, made possible by donations from our TCC community and have earned and received certificates of accomplishment at our ceremonies. They enjoy relief from the two industrial-size fans provided from community donations. But more importantly, they feel wrapped in the love and support of our Circles of Light celebration, in which TCC teachers and students from around the world practice on the same day and time with them.

This year’s event and banquet will be held on Thursday, April 27th (in conjunction with World Qigong and T’ai Chi Day); the global practice will be held at 2pm. For the first time, we have been given permission to make it a Zoom event. We are forever grateful to you, to Justin, and to our practice.