Oregon Practitioners Discover the Power of Universal Chi

T’ai Chi Chih (TCC) has thrived at Creekside Village for Seniors (Beaverton, Oregon) for five years now. The standing and seated versions are both practiced each Saturday and participants are beginning to actualize the spiritual effects. Here are their stories.

“I have reaped many benefits from my four-year practice. By focusing solely on the movements, my consciousness has risen and my energy channels expanded. As I move counterclockwise in Bird Flaps Its Wings, I rid myself of old habits. When moving clockwise newer things are flushing out old habitudes. During Working the Pulley, I’m reminded of my buoyancy while swimming in Hawaii. Deep breathing allows me to release bad energy and expendable habits. It’s an integrated confluence of thoughts, feelings, and movements.” — Tom O.

“Many fellow seniors refuse to recognize how far off balance we are. Slow, rhythmic movements, with a gentle weight shift, enhance my balance. I’m now letting go, releasing tight muscles.” — Becky F.

“I feel a flow in class, like rocking air when I’m moving. With Light at Top of My Head, my mental energy moves with my inner body. It’s a sensation like going home, my soul returning to home base. When I finish Passing Clouds and Six Healing Sounds, I am whole, all together.” — Setsuko R.

“My favorite movement is Passing Clouds. It sets up a nice rhythm and relaxes my breathing. The net result: it’s calming to my nerves and inner self. Around the Platter creates an oval movement that’s more compact and completes itself. Light at The Temples I do with a deep knee bend, allowing me to gather energy and then let go.” — Jim Poole

“Rocking Motion resonates most with me since it reminds me of childhood days and allows me to get in a rhythm. Light at the Top of the Head/Temples reflects the universe, and it makes me reflect on what we know and don’t know as its earth citizens. Passing Clouds is the most purposeful yet relaxing. I glide through the movements with a sense of peacefulness.” — Nancy W.