T’ai Chi Chih Corner

Newly accredited to teach T’ai Chi Chih in May of 1987, I was eager to share this wonderful moving discipline that had changed my life in so many positive directions.

The form, consisting of 20 simple movements, has been met with much enthusiasm. It is designed to promote and encourage our own healing powers within and when practised regularly the benefits can be amazing.

Nicole Calestagne started T’ai Chi Chih in May of 1988 and here, briefly, is her story:

Nicole has “ALS”, also known as “Lou Gehrig’s Disease”. It attacks the motor neurons which convey the brain’s electrical impulses to the muscles and eventually leads to complete immobility. When Nichole first started T’ai Chi Chih, she had to sit throughout the classes and found walking very painful. Today she is able to stand during the sessions and has no pain. She showed me where the secondary muscles in her arm and legs are developing again, through the gentle movements. She finds that T’ai Chi Chih addresses her “whole being”, not only the physical. T’ai Chi Chih has become a way of life for her and she does it several times a day physically as well as mentally. Combined with meditation, creative visualization and a healthy diet, she says that the quality of her life has improved 100%. Her neurologist now recommends T’ai Chi Chih to all his ALS patients.

Teaching T’ai Chi Chih is a rewarding experience for me and I’m so pleased that Nicole and many others are enjoying the benefits of this gentle yet powerful discipline. Classes continue through the summer months at the “Y”.

In Summer of 1989 “Y” Newsletter