Social Media Papers (February 2014, Part 4)

The talk on social media and T’ai Chi Chih at this year’s conference really lit a fire under me, and starting me thinking. What can I do to familiarize myself more with social media sites and how can I help propel ideas and images of TCC out to the masses that routinely utilize social media sites?

I decided to start with my university students. Because of hosting a recent TCC intensive, I needed to cancel a couple of TCC classes at the university where I teach. In lieu of attending a class, I told students that they needed to write a one-pager on anything they learned about TCC through any of the social media sites. They were invited to check out Twitter, Pinterest, Facebook, YouTube and the TCC website. (Editor’s note: TCC is also on Instagram.)

The responses from the students were energizing – so much so, that I plan on assigning this idea each semester. Additionally, I was inspired to ask the students for permission to post photos of them practicing TCC on the TCC-related sites. With some trepidation, everyone agreed and pictures were taken during our class. Before any were sent off, though, we met as a group to edit down the images. I used this “teachable moment” to point out where students (and their instructor) were doing the movements incorrectly.

The following are excerpts from their journal entries and social media papers.

By Alesandra Lorenzo, Nursing Major

The first big thing I noticed on Facebook was a picture of a very tranquil forest, and it stated that the concentration is in the soles of the feet during TCC, which I already knew. What I didn’t know was that it’s called hseuh in Chinese, which means the bubbling spring. Nature is definitely something that goes hand in hand with TCC because of how calming it is. I also learned that Justin Stone talked of three confirming signs of TCC; the first one is trembling fingers. That means the Chi is flowing properly and you are getting the most benefit out of doing TCC. I have experienced the trembling, not as much as Justin seems to, but in my own way; it’s an amazing feeling. I feel so peaceful and happy that I can experience this feeling through TCC.

I also learned that Justin Stone said all the movements were very soft and relaxed but that you feel as though you are swimming through heavy air. He also wants us to remember that the easiest way to forget worries is to shun the ego-center – the way TCC is doing itself and one is not considered doing it. My favorite thing he said is that, “We have a duty to find meaning in this very life … this requires a disciplined mind.” This site has really beautiful pictures with a lot of Justin’s words about the practice and benefits of TCC.

It is amazing how the whole page is dedicated to TCC and how many people love it, care for it and are very dedicated to it. Before this class I had no idea what it was or what to expect from it. I liked looking at people’s comments to see how the practice affects them.

By Andrew Forese, Chemical Engineer Major

I chose to research TCC on Twitter because Twitter is the network I use most often. Most of the information here is from articles that Twitter users have posted as tweets, but there is a lot of good information in those articles. For example, one talked about the physical and mental benefits of doing TCC while seated. I vaguely remembered you telling us in class about someone who did their TCC movements while hospitalized, but I had no idea it was something actually being taught. Seated TCC seems similar to regular TCC with some adjustments.

I also saw someone tweet about a book on the benefits of TCC, a section of which talks about TCC practitioners being less susceptible to shingles. I am not sure if this is anecdotal or scientific evidence because I did not purchase the book, but it is still interesting. Another post was about the health benefits of doing TCC. This one discussed how TCC can help with arthritis, back pain and migraines – the latter which I sometimes get. While reading this article, another caught my attention because it was a Time.com article about how TCC has been shown to help fight depression in the elderly. Upon further research, I found numerous articles discussing this and scientific studies showing the correlation rather than anecdotal evidence. I find this fascinating because if TCC can be used in lieu of prescribed depression medications, which carry serious side effects, this could be very beneficial.

By Bridget Jennings, Physics Major

I researched TCC on Facebook, where I found peaceful pictures of nature, which I expected. The moderator of the page would post questions like, “How does TCC affect your everyday life?” and “What are your favorite poses?” I learned from these posts that real TCC enthusiasts try to practice TCC daily, all throughout the day. Some people do it while they cook, while they wash dishes, even in line at the store. They do it discreetly to themselves.

One woman, who works a long night shift, uses TCC to calm down when work gets too hard – but also to boost her Chi and reenergize when she gets tired. Almost everyone who commented on that particular post agreed that rocking side to side was his or her favorite (most helpful) move to do. That didn’t necessarily mean it was better (more helpful) though. I found it interesting that everyone was in agreement on this particular post. Next, I’ll be checking out the TCC Pinterest page.