Students’ Experiences

Karen A. Greene (student of Valerie Smith, Oakland)–As a relatively new (2.5 months) T’ai Chi Chih student, I’ve made a truly amazing and joyous discovery. My painful menstrual cramps have subsided to the point where I no longer need expensive and ineffective prescription medication to treat them. I now find them subdued to the state where they need no extraordinary care. May this blessing continue.

Yun Yu Hu (student of Ben Levitan, Albany CA) In the Autumn of 1989, inflammation of the shoulder–I could not lift my right hand to the crown of the head and could not stretch it to the back. I could not take things out of the pants pocket. Especially during the middle of the night. I could not sleep–even though I slept, the pain woke me up. After 2 or 3 months T’ai Chi Chih I can stretch it to the back of my waist. (Oct. 1990). (Translation of letter at right.)

The original letter, handwritten in Chinese, was printed beside the translation.

John Schneider (student of Liz Salada–Fremont, CA) Within all the confusion of my life right now, I’m sensing a sort of peace and order; and I have no desire to “figure” things out. I’m starting to just flow with certain things……(later) Thank you for your beautiful poem and for your acknowledgment of my progress. I don’t really understand what’s happening–yet I know it’s specific and it is meant to be now. There is a paradox here–while my life really hasn’t changed in form and substance, my experience of it has. For the first time in my life I’m beginning to feel ‘rooted’, like I have some place familiar to be–where the things that happen and go on in my life still do–yet I’m not at their full effect. It’s hard to explain……It’s funny how when you start to let go and go with the flow–things start to fall into place. I’ve even noticed a difference in my relationship with others, even people I’ve just met. There’s a real calm and openness that’s being reflected back to me. ..Thanks for your support and friendship.

* * *

What arises
as we aspire
within levels and depths
of self: newly unknown?

Earthened roots
anchored in rocky terrain
Gnarled smooth
growth – moving upward!

Giving character
to all we see
and appreciate

Through this
Strengthened and sustained.

May 4, 1991