What I Learned Outside Of Class

By a Widener University Student; Chester, Pennsylvania

One of the first things I noticed outside of class, through taichichih.org, was that T’ai Chi Chih is truly explored worldwide. We had discussed this to a certain extent in class, but seeing pictures was impressive. (I also noticed our instructor in several of these photos.)

What really stood out was how the people in the photos were out in the world (see taichichih.org/where-in-the-world) rather than inside a classroom, which is where they probably learned TCC. Instead, they took what they learned and went out into the world with it. Many images were of places with large crowds, yet they took the time to pause and root themselves in the moment.

This makes sense as the website recommends to practice TCC daily. Although we have talked about this in class, one interesting idea discussed was doing TCC on vacation. Even though vacations are often opportunities to get away from daily routines, the website suggested that TCC is a routine that should stay no matter what: “Most T’ai Chi Chih teachers and students practice every day, whether at home or away. Often, taking a vacation means more time to do TCC, rather than less.” As the website suggests, it is recommended to change your daily routine on vacation to include extra TCC.

I also learned that I would enjoy TCC or T’ai Chi Ch’uan outside. With the summer break fast approaching, I think it could be fun to add an outside practice to my morning routine.

Social Media Paper

By a Widener University Student; Chester, Pennsylvania

Aside from what I have learned this semester in class about T’ai Chi Chih, I have learned many other things not taught in class by the TCC social media sites including Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, etc. However I learned the most about TCC on their website. Not only did it reveal new things, it is now a site I will check often due to the weekly updates of TCC around the world.

One of the most interesting things was learning about the founder of TCC, Justin Stone. He lived to be 95 years old and the website provided life changing quotations by him. It definitely gave me a better outlook on TCC and the purpose of it.

I also learned the health benefits of this meditation method. Prior to visiting the website, I thought that the only and main health benefit was to decrease stress. But there are many more benefits. There are emotional, physical and mental health benefits, and the website shares personal stories of other people’s experiences. Many said that their headaches have lessened, joint pain disappeared, their high blood pressure declined and depression decreased.

I also learned that there are books and DVDs available for those wishing to advance in this meditation method. I thought that if one wished to learn, they had to go to a class. Now anyone can learn at their own pace and time, making TCC more convenient.

still

grounded

expansive

endless quiet

deeply feel

inside

be

– Mary R.

once

silence

deafening

now all quiet

comforting

inner

friend

– Joyce K. Veerkamp

the

silence

without is

nothing compared

to silence

within

peace

– D.W.

more

aware

of judgements

and surroundings

internal

chatter

calm

– Vincent

be

still and

listen hear

life growing from

within soft

gentle

life

– M

be

gestures

expressions

compensation

privacy

chatter

mind

– Anonymous

moon

silent

in the night

why can’t my mind

let me be

just that

still

– Jerry

shhhh

quiet

it is hard

no rudeness; peace

hear nature

no noise

be

– Teresa

life

is here

life is now

in all ways now

embrace life

embrace

me

– Leya

soft

noises

solitude

contemplative

little sounds

made big

nice

– Lauren P