TCC Travels With You

For the last 18 months, I have been fortunate to take a weekly T’ai Chi Chih class at my local wellness community center with Janet Oussaty. I enjoy and benefit so much from them that I was terribly disappointed when rough winter weather here on the East Coast meant the cancelation of four classes in a row. I am not accomplished enough to do TCC on my own, and I need the energy of a group practice. So when I travel and will be somewhere longer than two weeks, I look to practice with others. I’ve found wonderful classes in California and Texas.

First, it was heartening to know that I could practice outside of my comfort class and do well. I had no idea if my arms would get tangled up, if I would trip over my own feet, or if I would forget movements. Secondly, the generosity with which instructors and practitioners gave of their time was phenomenal.

In California, teacher Carol Wong invited my whole family to participate. Her openness and willingness to teach three novices (my family members) was lovely. The experience had me going back for more. In Texas, Alice Holden helped me reach teacher Carla Grant of Richardson, who allowed me to practice in her home. What I found most comforting was the privilege of practicing with three different instructors. I felt the movement’s uniformity and integrity mixed with the each instructor’s personality and style. I didn’t feel lost or out of place.

TCC has helped during my journey as a cancer survivor by allowing me to help myself. This form of meditation allows me a way to be introspective and aware. I gain so much insight into what I do (and can do) from my sessions that I just don’t want to stop taking them. Hence my eagerness to seek out practices when I travel. Thanks to all those who have helped.