Students Speak (August 2023)

Editor’s Note: Some of these notes from Donna’s students are from assignments such as how they feel the energy and/or why they like T’ai Chi Chih.

The energy felt while doing T’ai Chi Chih (TCC) has helped heal a lower back pain and tennis elbow. I have also felt the energy while walking into a room of TCC students. This energy has helped me think clearly and slow my life down. — Francisco S.

TCC not only is a way to release stress, so important for college students, it teaches a way to move through life with more calm and conscious awareness to make constructive decisions and navigate life with ease and grace. It is different from getting a massage in that it is something you can do for yourself any time. You don’t need to pay someone else to help you once you have learned the movements. — Dotty H.

You can teach new tricks to an old dog. It really struck home when Justin shared about habit energies, that habits can decrease your ability to be open to new things. I believe this in my heart. — Andrea S.

I’m finding TCC relaxing and stimulating. It gives me time by myself to settle down with whatever is happening, to gather my thoughts. It makes me feel good to go through the movements, a sense of accomplishment if you will. I enjoy being in the class, sharing feelings and ideas, poems, and songs… — Marlene J.

I love doing TCC. There is a peace, serenity, and harmony to it that fills a void in me. My spirit feels nurtured. On occasion I do feel a tremendous energy, tingling and the works. Although I do not feel the energy all the time, I do gain a completeness and harmony every time, a balance and centeredness. This is my energy. All I have learned is respected and done with great awareness. — Susan P.

Having a quiet meditation before and after practice anchors me in the peace and serenity that is the fruit of the flowing Chi. Doing this as a group exponentially expands this vibrant peace and helps me feel connected to the group and the world beyond. I come out of class a very happy human being. — Dotty H.

As we start Rocking Motion, I feel relaxed and in tune with my inner self. I feel and think “softness” and focus more in the soles of my feet. After the practice, I sit with others in quiet meditation. Time doesn’t exist for fifteen or more minutes. I feel free and serene. Heavy legs and arms let me go deeper. A chime slowly brings me back to reality. — Kathy L.

The three most important things about TCC? One: Meditation reduces stress, and for those of us who can’t sit still, this moving meditation works. Two: TCC has helped with my coordination and balance. By focusing on my t’an tien and grounding my energy, my body is more in sync, more coordinated. Three: I am a more understanding person. Yes, I still get upset by someone cutting me off on the highway, but I don’t stew over it. Mentally I think I’m a better person. — May C. Y.

In this semester’s intermediate TCC class, we have begun with a five-minute meditation that has been followed by a mostly silent practice, and then a longer meditation. Sharing this deliberate inwardness has deepened our bonds beyond conversational relationships. We experience a sweet unity beyond words. At home, I’ve been inspired to do my TCC practice just before my sitting meditation. Circulating the Chi before meditation quiets my mind without force and settles my breath and senses. I am loving this daily routine. — Dotty H.