T’ai Chi Chih Sharing

Recently I wrote an article for the New Mexico T’ai Chi Chih News about a TCC presentation for the NM Governor’s Conference. In fact, there were three presentations: my workshop and two demonstrations by the NM T’ai Chi Chih Association where several TCC teachers participated. It was a dream that took many years to unfold, but by holding the vision (that people in New Mexico know about T’ai Chi Chih and its benefits), we were finally invited. It was very exciting to have over 150 state employees (from all corridors of responsibility) come to the presentation. T’ai Chi Chih received rave evaluations. From this presentation I was invited to share T’ai Chi Chih at a large NM District Attorney’s Conference. I am looking forward to the joy that we will all receive from that one, too.

Shortly after the Governor’s Conference presentation my 14 year old granddaughter, Kelly, asked if I would like to make a presentation to 20 students in her Junior High Literature Honors class. What a treat. Of course, I would be delighted. They were studying about the diversity of careers available.

First we talked about what T’ai Chi Chih is. And then we moved on to it being televised nationwide on PBS; that there are books and videos (I had one of each) available worldwide; that Justin Stone, the originator, is 83 and active in Albuquerque; that he is a great example of how T’ai Chi Chih helps people to stay healthy. Of course, I also mentioned the Governor’s Conference.

But I also talked about the basis of T’ai Chi Chih (yin/yang chi) and that the most important thing that we can do is balance and circulate this chi. As I talked I wrote key words on the whiteboard: balance, yin/yang, chi, T’ai Chi Chih, non-martial arts, 19 movements and one pose, gentle, soft, slow motion in a dream. Since students were taking notes for a later discussion, I engaged them in the presentation, showing them that T’ai Chi Chih is something very natural to their understanding. We had a great discussion. But the best part was their eagerness to participate in the movements (even a student with a broken leg was willing to do it sitting down). The most wonderful part is something that I always look forward to with children: they FEEL everything so quickly. “Chi” was more than a word on the whiteboard. They could really feel it residing within themselves.

After the presentation the teacher was very excited. In her younger years she’d been a dancer, but a broken ankle forced her to stop. She’d wanted to try T’ai Chi Chih but didn’t know if she’d be able. She smiled and said, “While doing the movements I felt the same grace I felt when I was young.” (She plans to take a class.) The whole experience was great.

We all love to hear about large presentations, but the second smaller presentation is no less significant or joyful. The most important part of any presentation is when someone, maybe just ONE someone, feels the power of the CHI and decides to balance and circulate it within themselves.

All presentations are worth mentioning. I look forward to reading about your experiences in the Vital Force. I know Justin does also. Always remember to Love and Share the Chi.