Right Place, Right Time

About a year ago, when I first started taking T’ai Chi Chih (TCC) at the Clarkstown Community Learning Center, I had been struggling with balance issues and had really limited my activities. Hiking uphill was strenuous, but going back down, especially on a rough or uneven surface, was terrifying. I also had arthritis in my hands and wrists from too many years of office work, made worse by damage from a fall.

After trying other exercise classes, which felt too aggressive for my limitations and age (almost 70), I switched to Oreann’s TCC class. Learning and coordinating the movements was a struggle at the beginning, but Oreann was patient and non-judgmental. The relaxed atmosphere allowed me to work on each part of the movements without worrying about perfection. While I can still improve, I am developing muscle memory and the ability to focus and relax while moving.

Though improvements in my arthritis can be attributed to less time tethered to a phone and keyboard, I think that the slow repetitive movements have also helped. My balance definitely feels steadier. After class this week, my husband and I walked on a poorly maintained trail in a nearby park. I was almost down the steep and rocky section when I realized that I had enjoyed the whole walk. I’d almost forgotten to be afraid of falling.