T’ai Chi Chih Workshop in Tupelo, Mississippi: Home of the Swivel

It was 70 years ago this year that Elvis Presley was born here in Tupelo, Mississippi. He bought his first guitar at a local hardware store that is still in business but is no longer selling guitars. Records show that he was sharing his musical talents with friends and in school before moving to Memphis, TN at the tender age of 13. It stands to reason, then, that gyrations (circular motions) could have had their beginnings right here in Tupelo, MS. The gyrations of Elvis Presley were best demonstrated in the swivel.

Pam Towne came to Tupelo March 11-13 and found that those in this community had a natural tendency to get in the swing of T’ai Chi Chih. For two days the energy was flowing at the Wellness Center of North MS Medical Center. Half of those attending the workshop (35 total) had never participated in classes that I provide bi-weekly at the Wellness Center. Pam plowed new ground for us here in the South. The week after the workshop, attendance in my classes doubled. Responses were very positive. Our local newspaper gave coverage to the event with a close-up picture of a well-known couple in our community doing the Six Healing Sounds. The only glitch was that the article used T’ai Chi Chuan as the name of the workshop. A correction was made a couple days later which gave double coverage for the workshop.

Those participating were quick to share their responses. Here are some excerpts:

“I believe this workshop is an investment that will yield positive benefits.”

– Susan Harris

“I’m looking forward to having more energy and focus which will broaden and fulfill the life I want to share with my husband who is already a T’ai Chi Chih student.”

– Patti Whit

“Very moving – literally as well as figuratively. Glad to have met all the nice people involved this weekend. Rich and Leah Ashman were most helpful. Vicki Webb was delightful and Pam was so very inspiring.”

– Musa and Bobby Ferguson

“This weekend helped me gain a sense of softness that I didn’t have before.”

– Margaret Baker

“The T’ai Chi Chih workshop helped me learn the movements that had been difficult for me to understand. I learned to shift my weight smoothly and most importantly to focus on the soles of my feet. I met so many delightful, open-minded people in the class. This is the beginning of a wonderful journey.”

– Andrea Staten

“After viewing Pam’s video and attending classes for a year, to meet Pam in person was quite a thrill. Her gentle, quite spirit in explaining the 20 movements to those who were new was amazing. Two years ago I had a light stroke which greatly weakened my right side. I joined Ron’s class in hopes of strengthening that side and increasing my balance. At 73 I can say this has helped me greatly.”

– Carolyn Moore

“Thinking of the weekend, I find as a highlight the last group movement in the big circle on Saturday. It was exhilarating seeing the group move together.”

– Valerie Angeloro

“This is a tremendous gift to have received.”

– Mike Stroup

“T’ai Chi Chih practice is a journey, not a destination. I always appreciate the opportunity to connect with others on the path. I learned so much from Pam, other teachers, and students at all levels. The Tupelo workshop was a wonderful adventure.”

– Vicki Webb

A great big hug to all those who have been a part of my journey in TCC beginning six years ago with Justin Stone and Carmen Brocklehurst and continuing with Kathy Albers, Vic Burg, Sandy McAlister, and now Pam Towne. It has been a wonderful trip including stops in Chicago and St. Louis. I have already registered for the 20th Annual International T’ai Chi Chih Teachers Conference in Albuquerque. I look forward to seeing all my TCC friends at this special event.