Thoughts From a Former Student

Thoughts From A Former Student

By Parker Reynolds, Strongsville, Ohio

Having just received word that there was an open slot in the local recreation center’s evening schedule, we arranged to offer an evening T’ai Chi Chih class. I sent an email and flyer with all the particulars to past students I haven’t seen in a while. The hope was to fill the class and have some students already familiar with TCC. I received an interesting reply from Mary B., a former student of my teacher, Roseann. This is our email exchange:

MB to PR: I stopped going to the YMCA after Roseanne retired. The new T’ai Chi class and teacher are a poor replacement. I tried going a couple of times but ended up more stressed out after the class. Can’t quite figure out what form they are teaching, and they talk constantly. I bought the TCC DVD and am practicing regularly on my own. If I know of anyone interested in learning, I’ll let them know about your classes.

PR to MB: So glad to hear you are practicing. Can you identify benefits you have received from practicing TCC? I’d love to know if you have noticed anything or had anyone mention if there was something different about you. Drop in on a class any time.

MB to PR: The most noticeable benefit is lower blood pressure. I went for my annual physical in March, and the reading was 118/64. I told the doctor I was practicing TCC. Regular practice has also eased joint pain. When I am doing the 45-minute TCC practice, I am totally absorbed in the moment and time seems to stand still. I am never inpatient to finish, and it seems like only a few minutes have gone by rather than 45. Perhaps this is true mindfulness. The movements are easy to remember now that I have been practicing consistently and I would be able to do them without the DVD if necessary. I would describe it as being mentally portable. Right now, I practice three to four times a week. My goal is to make it daily.

Mary’s responses were interesting because newer students can remind us important things that we as teachers should be mindful of:

• The validity of TCC, as compared to other “mindfulness practices,” especially with a well-trained teacher. Teh.

• A teacher that talks instead of teaches can do more harm than good.

• Having a follow-along DVD is a valuable tool to promote at-home practice.

• Regular practice provides real physical, mental and spiritual benefits.

• If something is held in the intention, it will happen.

I’m so happy to have had this exchange with Mary B., and feel so rewarded to see the impact TCC has had and continues to have on those who practice.