Student Reflections

“I thought I was signing up for a T’ai Chi class when I first started. I stayed with T’ai Chi Chih because it had fewer movements to learn than T’ai Chi. I like that it’s like a moving meditation. When I first started practicing, feelings sometimes came up. I would just notice I felt some sadness. Now I sometimes feel warmer. I sometimes do Rocking Motion in my head to help me focus, slow down or relax.” – C.N.

“I came to T’ai Chi Chih as a method to find calm after a hectic workday. I enjoy the sense of peace I experience at the end of my practice—the feeling of “calm awareness.” I’m working to remember that state, those feelings, as a way to add more TCC to my week. I hope one day to be able to say it has become a wonderful, healthy habit.” – Anon.

“I started T’ai Chi Chih three years ago, not knowing what it was or what to expect. The word in the class description was “gentle” and I thought, “That’s for me.”

I have rheumatoid arthritis and gentle movement could only help. Little did I know this practice would improve my balance, range of motion, mental health and just make me feel like a better person. Thanks to our teacher Sue and her leadership and guidance, TCC has become a welcome part of my life.” – C.S., Minneapolis

“As someone who has always wanted to practice meditation, I’ve found T’ai Chi Chih to be a perfect way of incorporating that into my daily life. The moving meditation of TCC is a wonderful way to be in the moment, focusing on gratitude for what the day and the inspiration of balance has brought me. ” – From a four year student

“A centering and calming peace … this is T’ai Chi Chih for me. I love the group practice and the energy that flows around and through us.” – Bev B.

“T’ai Chi Chih practice provides a respite from the week’s activities. I enjoy the balance and flow and the calm re-energizing that occurs when I’m doing TCC. Sue’s a marvelous instructor – non-judgmental, while providing information and adjustments for movements. It’s also great to see a variety of people involved in TCC and benefiting from it. What I enjoy most is the process of feeling my brain and body relax and the peaceful awareness and acceptance I feel after practice. ” – Anon.

“T’ai Chi Chih works as a social and meditational body warm-up. It was very difficult for me to do after I suffered a stroke but the instructor was compassionate – and here I am seven years later with nearly perfect attendance. TCC is the rose among doctors who know nothing about it. All they really know is that TCC seems to calm people and so it’s suggested as a means to deal with depression, anxiety and stress, all helpful in the healing process.” – Jim Nelson

“I came to “T’ai Chi Chih 10 years and nine months ago because of overwhelming stress caused by work and home demands. I needed comfort. I’ve gained so much more. TCC has reformed me as a person. I am balanced at my core, which allows me the freedom to respond to life’s challenges with internal reflection and calm. When I am most stressed I do Rocking Motion, either physically or in my mind. Rocking Motion connects me to the earth where my rhythm joins the universe. I immediately experience a sense of balance and calm. I know I can handle whatever comes in life. Namaste.” – Sue Bitney