So Many Gifts

After an 8-hour flight and a 90-minute drive on snow-covered roads, I arrived home after my accreditation on November 3, 2024. Even though I was exhausted, I was on such a high that I maneuvered the winter road conditions all the way home after dark with a smile and confidence. When I woke up the next morning, I proceeded with my typical daily routine yet found myself needing a nap. It took several days of at least 10 hours of sleep and daily naps. However, I celebrated this and enjoyed every minute knowing that the personal growth I received (prior to accreditation and during the six days of accreditation) was very hard work. I used the next several weeks to allow myself to rest, grow, and become stronger. I felt my personal practice deepen as I became more confident.

My teaching started small with my 95-year-old neighbor Roberta. Roberta rides a stationary bike 10 miles every day, however in starting to learn Tai Chi Chih (TCC) we realized she did not have good balance or good core strength. We then did seated TCC, which she really enjoyed. Roberta was recently hospitalized after having a stroke. While undergoing occupational therapy (OT) the therapist questioned Roberta about her core strength and balance. This led to the OT calling me for information about TCC. She was inquiring about Roberta’s strength and her abilities as a result of TCC. I look forward to future conversations with the local hospital here.

I also have some additional teaching opportunities coming up targeting younger students. I am excited to dive into these endeavors.

In January I had surgery on my dominant right hand. I was in a cast for two weeks after my surgery but continued daily TCC practice. 

I quickly realized I was experiencing benefits to share with my students and others. My hand was set in a cast sideways, so I was not able to have my hand up or down. But even sideways I could feel the Chi in my fingertips. When I got my cast off and everything was very raw and weak, it took two days before I could do a full practice using both hands in the proper positions. It was amazing to feel my hand heal.

I am thankful for an awareness for all the gifts I received regarding my accreditation. I am also thankful for the awareness of the Chi with its healing benefits: spiritual, physical, and mental.