T’ai Chi Chih at St. Cabrini Nursing Home

“It’s so relaxing!” says a frail resident who has difficulty breathing, is weak and in a wheelchair. “I feel so peaceful!” says a woman who recently celebrated her 100th birthday. “I feel so energized! More relaxed and better able to work,” says a CNA (certified nurse assistant) who cares for residents unable to assist themselves in activities of daily living.

We are a growing T’ai Chi Community at St. Cabrini Nursing Home (SCNH) and we are experiencing the benefits of T’ai Chi Chih—harmony, peace and sense of oneness. Since most residents have limited mobility, flexibility and physical strength, our practice focuses on breath and hand movements that can be done seated or from a wheel chair. As we practice a modified form of T’ai Chi Chih, we acknowledge the Source of Power and Infinite Energy within us, recognizing that our names for the Universal Life Force and our belief systems may be different. We also acknowledge and name the creative potential and power within us though we may also experience physical and cognitive diminishment. In our intentions, our presence, breath and movements, we call forth gifts of peace, hope, joy and unconditional love for ourselves and the extended community of life beyond our four walls.

The following snapshot gives a flavor of how T’ai Chi Chih has been welcomed at SCNH. I offer a weekly 30-minute session for the SCNH Msgr. Terrence Attridge Adult Day Health Center registrants, varying in age from the 40s to 90s, and with varied physical, mental and emotional health challenges. Let your imagination picture the T’ai Chi Chih practice – physically, a comfortable attractive well-lit room, with about 20 people in chairs in a two-row semi-circle and another 10 to15 seated at tables around the room’s perimeter, drawing, reading, or just resting quietly. These are the ones who choose to be present for the T’ai Chi Chih session. About 10 registrants opt or are asked to participate in other activities in side rooms because of incompatible verbal or physical behaviors.

Imagine the emotional tone in the room as we begin – some people very verbal and loud, constant walking, etc. The class begins and everyone is invited to just be themselves – to participate to the extent that they can – to just be – even if it is to listen to the music or just observe. Gradually, the room quiets. And at times when it doesn’t, we remind ourselves that the world is much like this room, noisy at times, many things happening, but that the true quiet comes from that deep center within us. Once we can go to that center, we can know deep peace, even though we might not always feel it. And when we do, we share this peace with others. So often, as it happened the other day, the once noisy room becomes very quiet and peaceful, with the agitated people quieting down. As observed by a staff member, “The entire group calms down – even those who are not doing the movements.”

Our attention and intention are focused on recurring themes such as living in the present moment, honoring our bodies, moving with gentleness, flexibility, continuity, not rushing to finish a movement or to do it perfectly – but to just be and know that we are loved and special.

SCNH is no stranger to chi – the vital life force – within each person and within the organization and the Universal Life Force. Sponsored by the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart and rooted in the Catholic healing ministry, SCNH offers many programs that uplift and strengthen the spirit in those who live and work here. Named after St. Frances Xavier Cabrini, foundress of the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart, SCNH has a rich tradition of compassionate love, respect and dignity. We try to foster a spirit of hospitality, welcome and inclusiveness that reaches beyond the 304 residents who live here and the hundreds of others who are served. Our relationships extend beyond the U.S. to Swaziland, Australia, Brazil, Philippines and beyond. A family member who comes daily to be with her husband remarked, “T’ai Chi Chih gives me such a sense of community.” We want the greater T’ai Chi Chih Community and others to know that in our practice, we join in prayer and intentions for peace, non-violence, hope and joy – for you and our world.