The Mystery of the Curving Leg

Some years ago, when I was nineteen! I broke my leg above the knee, a compound fracture. It was set excellently, but the doctor in Ireland was unaware of the need for therapy. The result was, my right leg remained 4 3/4 inches short, which meant wearing surgical shoes for seven years. After three years in this wonderful country, a surgeon suggested shortening my left leg so I could wear regular shoes. Naturally, I jumped at this chance to get on even keel again, even though it meant a come-down in the world for me–4 3/4 inches; still it would give me more freedom to play handball, tennis, soccer, bowling.

Since that event, about six years ago, my right leg gradually curved, which meant constant pain as well as going up or down stairs dragging one leg at a time. In the meantime my beautiful soulmate and wife, Joy, was enthusiastically pursuing T’ai Chi Chih.

When she became accredited to teach TCC, and had private students, I used to watch, rather lackadaisically, as I wasn’t overly impressed by its gentle movements. However, being surprised so many found it challenging, I decided to join her class. And so I discovered a sense of serenity in my daily life was one of many wonderful effects of TCC, and last year proudly received my own “Teachers’ accreditation.”

Now to clear up the mystery of “The curving leg..”. Which is to say, about two years after I began TCC I noticed I was walking better, and about a year ago, on a bet with myself, I ran up and down the local school steps. Then, just a short time ago, while wearing shorts doing TCC before the large mirror in our living room, both of us, Joy and I simultaneously exclaimed, “The leg is straight!” This was admittedly not a very romantic phrase, but to me, it was the most beautiful event in my 68 years.

Thank you, Justin Stone, Steve Ridley and my beloved teacher, Joy, for this wonderful healing gift you have given me—T’AI CHI CHIH.”

Feet grounded in Earth’s bubbling core,
Hands clasping the smiling sky,
Opening the heart’s door
To peace, serenity, health and more–
The unity of many in heart and mind,
The end of space and time,
And all is one, within–upon–
An immeasurable Now.

– Rev. John J. Barbour