The Benefits Are Cumulative

I asked my students from various locations where I teach in the Greenville, South Carolina area, to tell others why they like their T’ai Chi Chih practice and/or the benefits they receive. I teach mostly ongoing classes through the Greenville Library System, at senior and activity centers, and to the owner and employees at a local French creperie. Some students have practiced with me for four or more years while others only for a month or less. My students and I thank you, Justin, for originating TCC and the benefits one receives with practice.

“I’ve been a member of Adabelle’s TCC class at the Mauldin Senior Center for a little over a year now and have grown to enjoy it very much. Being a full-time working mother of four, my life since the late 1960s has been one of being constantly on the move. Now that I’m retired, it’s been hard to slow down. This class has enabled me to be silent and only concentrate on Adabelle’s movements. She has a very calming effect on the class and is a wonderfully patient teacher.” – Carol Swartz

“I have been taking TCC classes for four years. They have greatly improved my balance and helped strengthen the right side of my body, which underwent a hip replacement four years ago. Doing this in a group provides a calming energy. It is like mediation, but I am active and not sitting still. I can’t recommend this enough.” – Susan Cooper

“I have an essential tremor which effects balance, and the neurologist recommended T’ai Chi so I went to a couple of classes but it was very hard to follow the movements. Then the physical therapist working with me on balance learned about TCC and suggested I try it. I was excited and relieved after my first session with Adabelle. I would always be learning and knew that I felt peace of mind, body and spirit. While TCC will probably help me develop body-balance skills, its most important aspect is the mixing of energies. My acupuncturist has said that my yin/yang energies are out of balance with yang being dominant. The beauty of TCC with Adabelle is that we are encouraged to listen to our bodies and do only what works for us. I am grateful.” – Barbara Yarbrough

“Seven months into practicing TCC, I’ve overcome the awkwardness of coordinating hands and feet. My posture has improved greatly as has my balance and my state of mind. I feel more in touch with the present. I absolutely love this practice (usually done five days/week) and miss it terribly when I am unable to do it.” – Christine Lawson

“We have been practicing with Adabelle for a month, and enjoy the slow movements and calm atmosphere, which results in a feeling of wellbeing for the rest of the day. Adabelle’s quotations for the day inspire reflection and are also greatly appreciated. We’re planning to continue with the hope of improving our balance.” – Denny and Fran Bianchi

“I have been practicing for a year and one word sums it up: serenity.

S – slow movements

E – ease of movements

R – rocking movements

E – energizing movements

N – natural movements

I – imitating movements

T – thoughtful movements

Y – yielding movements” – Gesine Mangieri

“TCC helps me be in the present and forces me (in a good way) to take my time while other things have to wait. I am in this bubble of energy that I create (and my friends around me create) which makes me feel good. It feels like the after effects of a good massage.” – Dominique Georgas

“TCC is the opposite of today’s world:

Slow down ≠ Go faster

Focused/self ≠ Everybody else’s needs

Grounded ≠ Butterfly going from one flower to the next one

Circle of friends ≠ Individual” – Anon

“I have gained so many benefits since beginning to practice. Some are emotional and others are physical, such as mood improvement, better sleep, balance improvement, reduced stress and improved focus.” – Laila Roberts

“Better balance, a calmness about myself and peacefulness.” – Starr Kellett

“A family friend told me about TCC. She knew I liked to exercise with the TV. I said no, several times, and then came to my first class. I felt so good after the practice that I thanked her for her persistence in getting me to attend. When I first began TCC, I was using a cane, my muscles were weak and I had poor balance. After practicing TCC, the cane is no longer needed. I have been attending an average of twice a week for several years and feel that TCC practice worked better for me than physical therapy.” – Dot Brown