Students on Feeling the Chi

How do you notice the energy in T’ai Chi Chih?

I’m aware of the energy because I’ve felt it, seen it, and heard it. I’m sure each person’s answer to this question will be different, as it’s a personal and unique experience.

I also think that it’s Intrinsic Energy, which indicates that it’s within us, not outside of us. So we receive it by accepting and becoming aware of what’s already within us. The fruit on a tree comes forth from the tree; it’s not added from an outside source. I think that’s the way it is with the energy we experience while doing TCC. We’re told the purpose is to circulate and balance the energy, and the practice of the movements allow this to happen.

Since movement helps activate that awareness, the term “Joy through Movement” is a fitting description. Also, the dynamic of a group doing the movements, and focusing on the energy, make it easier to become aware of the reality of the Chi. — Margo S.

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What are some of my thoughts on TCC?

My intermediate classmates have asked for my thoughts on T’ai Chi Chih and my disability. I’ve been doing TCC about 14 weeks, which, compared to some of my fellow classmates, is not long. However, since beginning my regular TCC practice, personal growth has become a quest, and gratefully, an almost daily occurrence.

This form of holistic meditation has enhanced me spiritually, mentally, and physically. Instead of allowing cerebral palsy to depress and consequently defeat me, TCC has presented me with a gift. It has thrust open countless intrinsic doors within my being. TCC provides a method and healthy escape within myself to discover peace. I get my deepest driving forces, fundamental courage, and outward engagement from my doctors, friends, family, and my classmates who share this graceful experience on a semi-regular basis.

TCC is great joy. It is the eye of the hurricane, the calm within the storm that is my life. It represents passing moments, which make a difference to my holistic being. — Jessica C. W.

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How are you feeling the Chi?

My hands are warm and often tingle — not with every movement — but more often with certain movements than others. The longer I practice the more ways I feel the energy.

Just today while doing Daughter on the Mountaintop I felt the energy telling me when to separate my hands as they were moving down the front of my body. While doing Daughter in the Valley I often feel I’m holding a pulsing energy or heat that actually has substance. One time, my fingers quivered on one hand and I felt filled with joy. I love how my whole being feels — the energy, relaxation, and well-being are wonderful benefits. I’m focusing on patience in each movement now; it’s a wonderful lesson. — Julie G.

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How are you experiencing the Chi?

While doing the movements, I can feel the flow of energy throughout my body, mostly in my extremities, my arms and legs. Sometime this flow is alternating heat and cold. On many movements, I feel a pulsating throughout my body (or a trembling of the hands), which sometimes exists even after I have completed a full set of movements.

I also feel the energy when doing TCC in a group. It feels as if the energy is flowing in a circular motion around the group. Sometimes the energy almost becomes a sound that pulsates in a low vibration. — Dennis K.

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How do I feel about the energy?

I feel the energy in certain T’ai Chi Chih movements. Some are stronger than others. During Around the Platter and Around the Platter Variation, I can feel the rim of platter and letting go of the ball. During Bass Drum, I feel like there is a drum between my hands. For Daughter on the Mountaintop, I feel the energy when my hands are coming together at the top. During Daughter in the Valley, my left-hand trembles. During Carry the Ball to the Side, I can feel the ball in my hands. For Pulling in the Energy, there is a different sensation that I can’t describe. Passing Clouds almost feels as if I am floating with the clouds. — Lynn D.

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How has this helped you?

My video (by Carmen) was a great help in learning the movements. We had a great class with everybody being helpful when asked; it was a comfortable atmosphere. Each morning I looked forward in coming to class, and thought I was starting the week out right. I cannot say enough about how TCC has helped me to relax, especially when watching a frightening episode on television. Normally my heart would pound so much, and it doesn’t do that anymore. My hand no longer gets numb, and my circulation has gotten so much better that I no longer have to worry about it. It has been a great experience in every way. — Barbara N.

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How do I feel the energy when doing TCC?

The first thing I feel is a tingling sensation in my fingers. As I continue, I can feel the weight of the energy in my hands. It seems to become a wave that helps propel the movements along, with minimal effort on my part. At the end of a session, I have a sense of well-being and an increased energy. After the recent large group session, I must not have brought the energy down. I was energized but not in a relaxed way. It seemed like the energy was still bouncing around. This is something I will need to focus on. — Sandra D.

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What do you like about T’ai Chi Chih?

I learned many movements, practiced deep breathing through my abdomen, balanced my energy, and tried to remain calm and stress free. I also worked on posture, which is hard because my back is not straight. My favorite movements are Bird Flaps Its Wings, Bass Drum, Daughter on the Mountain Top and Daughter in the Valley, and Around the Platter because I used my hands more than my feet — and I usually express myself with my hands. My feet get sore, my left leg gets stiff, and I get a cramping feeling when I do Carry the Ball to the Side, Rocking Motion, Pulling in the Energy, and Push Pull. I learned not to think of this course as a work assignment, but as a way to cope with my daily stress. I do wish there were other people taking this course that are my age, young adults. — Sheila M.

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I am still, but not stationary

Not thinking, but alert

Like water without ripples I flow and conform

Until all of me glides in a circle

Floating on track with the earth

Never expanding. Never contracting. Yet never constant

Continuously changing to compliment the circle

Shifting in accordance with the forces of balance

I am not confined by the current, I am connected

I am not restricted to the motions, but instead find liberty

I am passive and voluntary

I am formless and versatile

I am connected yet independent

I have found JOY. — Tim L.

Seated TCC

I have been doing seated T’ai Chi Chih since I sprained my ankle a few weeks ago. I’ve noticed that it’s much easier to sit up straight and move the hips if my knees are either in a line horizontally with my hips or even slightly lower. I like to sit on the edge of a hard chair. If the back needs support, a pillow behind the back will work. If no back support is needed, it’s best to have space behind the back in order to turn the hips forward and back.

I am long limbed, so I put a firm cushion underneath my bottom to achieve the correct height of hips to knees. The cushion also seems to help in moving the hips from side-to-side and front-to-back as it gives a little when I move. This positioning helps me remain tall in the torso and frees up my joints for a larger range of motion. When I’m not working so hard to sit up straight, I feel the Chi more strongly and the “effort of no effort” happens naturally. — Dotty H.

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