Seated TCC: Just In Case. You Never Know.

I’ve been integrating seated T’ai Chi Chih into a senior TCC class during the past year, after a course in seated TCC didn’t measure up to expectations. I wanted the seniors at the Camillus Senior Center (in New York) to be aware of and comfortable using a few of the seated movements, just in case.

After the 2017 conference, I became so convinced that all teachers should know, practice and teach seated TCC that I suggested to the organizers that the 2018 conference should integrate seated TCC into the program.

Little did I know that I would be the one to make full use of seated TCC. In early May a ruptured kneecap muscle required surgery and was followed by a brace. I was confronted with how could I employ seated TCC in this crazy, restricted situation of the knee.

First step was mental TCC in the MRI chamber. The knee was so bruised and swollen that an MRI was needed to expose the extent of damage and any possible fracture. The nurse said the MRI would take about 20 minutes. I mentally used TCC to time the procedure (since I knew how many movements could be done in 20 minutes), to relax and to resist scratching my nose. I finished TCC just as a voice was telling me it was over. The timing was on the money. The next day I continued mental TCC while lying on a gurney and waiting my turn for surgery.

When your leg is encased in a brace and your swollen and bruised knee demands special treatment, standing TCC is not a good choice. Now was the time for seated TCC. While in the hospital for four-and-a-half days, I began doing a couple of movements seated or leaning against edge of the bed.

I added more seated movements as my body grew stronger. It’s also is an important tool for eliminating and avoiding blood clots. I hoped to escape the hospital environment fast.

Now at home I do a full seated practice daily. A big plus? I’m learning improvements for standing TCC. Teacher Ann Pia chauffeured me to her May Memorial Unitarian Universalist class, where the standees and I do TCC. Contributing to people’s knowledge in this fashion is a pleasure and blessing. Ann and I are planning to increase integration of the seated routine in the Fall classes.

Learn and practice seated TCC – for yourself and with your students. You never know when and where you’ll need it. I never expected I would. Thank you, Sandy, for recording Seated T’ai Chi Chih – Moving Meditation in a Chair. It has taught me a lot of subtle improvements that I can incorporate in my standing practice.