Students Speak (February 2025, Part 1)

Editor’s Note: Longtime T’ai Chi Chih teacher Donna McElhose asked her current students to write a note to future students of TCC.

Dear Future TCC Student,

I started T’ai Chi Chih (TCC) in 2005 after I had a scare with breast cancer. The doctor told me that TCC would be a good way to reduce some stress in my life as a teacher. When I first started at the Cancer Wellness Center, I thought I was way over my head. However, I felt better — more rested and more at peace — after each session. So, that Fall I decided to enroll in the TCC class at the College of Lake County.

The first six weeks were difficult; I had a hard time with balance and following the movements, and I thought I would never get it. We would learn a movement or two each class and when the next class began, I still was not quite doing it right. But Donna would review it, and I would slowly get the movement right. Then, the next movement as introduced, and I was back to square one. It took quite a few sessions to get some of the movements to be correct and smooth. So please don’t get discouraged.

Each movement is unique and each of us enjoyed a different movement more than some others. TCC isn’t something you can learn overnight; but gradually, through time and instruction it starts coming together.

The more I did it, the better and more comfortable I got. I also found that practice helps smooth out the movements. At first, I just practiced the bare minimum and my movements were jerky. I led with my arms and hands, not my tan t’ien. But when I practiced almost every day, I started to notice the difference in the practice. I was learning how to let my tan t’ien create the movement with the rest of the body. Now, every once in a while, I’m not aware of the mind; I am letting TCC do itself. That is a neat feeling.

I’ve been doing TCC for a number of years and wouldn’t give it up for anything. It has helped me maintain my balance (I have an inner ear disorder), it has helped my osteoarthritis in my joints, it has helped me keep cancer at bay, and it has changed my disposition. I have more patience with people, I take things more in stride, and don’t overreact when things get chaotic. After each practice, I feel so calm and relaxed. I also think it keeps me healthier in regard to colds, the flu, or even cancer, for it helps build the immune system.

I am very grateful for the class and have no desire to skip TCC. It took me a number of years before I felt comfortable enough to try TCC at the intermediate level, but I’m glad I did. No matter how long one has done TCC, there is always more to learn to refine the movements. Habits are not easy to break. Even though TCC may seem strange to you now, even if you feel you will never get it, please persevere. Through time and practice, you will discover how TCC is making you a better person both physically and mentally. Give TCC a chance. It took until well into the second session before I started to really enjoy and get it. If you stick with it, you will see how it benefits your life. – K. L.