TCC Pervades Teachers’ Lives, Affects Others

For several years, I have been trying to verbalize how pervasive T’ai Chi Chih is in our teachers’ lives. More important to me than daily practice or any concept of “discipline” is how our teachers, like Paula Weiner, share with and inspire non-TCC practitioners, even when they are not teaching and are no longer really capable of doing the movements well.

For decades Paula and I have done TCC whenever we have been together. She, Daryl Isenberg, and others came to Weiss Memorial Hospital when I had my second hip replacement, and we did a full practice five days after my surgery.

When Paula’s health deteriorated and she could no longer do regular classes, she would invite some of her students to her home for a shared practice. I taught several sessions at Wesley Place, where she has lived for several years, and was warmly received by staff and residents.

For the past three years, since Paula has had health issues, a group of amazing friends have supported her in numerous ways, from gifts to visits. When we were able to gather for lunch in the nursing home, they always joined us for about 20 minutes of TCC.

Since COVID-19, I have been amazed by them encouraging Paula to do TCC, even mentally, to deal with various physical and emotional challenges, including her recent hospitalization. Of course, I encourage Paula to do TCC lying on her back when using supplemental oxygen, describing the benefits of just moving one’s arms in those familiar energy circles.

Paula’s chief cheerleader, Howie Mogil, encourages the members of Paula’s healing team to remind Paula of the gifts and treasures (thanks, Sandy McAlister) that TCC has given her and empowered her to share with others. Howie describes the following July 28th exchange:

“Today Paula we got Paula speaking about TCC and who she knew from it. Paula then showed the nurse how she does some in her bed. I think she gets more than physical improvement from it. She seems to be in touch spiritually with Hannah and all her prior TCC friends when she does it.”