What This Moving Meditation Means to Me

I started practicing T’ai Chi Chih almost 25 years ago. A dear friend had been going to a class for a while and wanted me to try it. Around that time, I was also trying to figure out how I could put dancing back in my life. But there were some hurdles (I’ve had mobility issues since I was a teenager), and I was not coming up with any good ideas. I went to the class and immediately felt that this might work instead of dancing.

It became clear that I would not be able to do some movements as well as I’d wished. The instructor talked about how the practice could be beneficial even if one was just imagining that they were doing it. So, I did.

I was not looking for a way to meditate but I was looking for a way to engage in social movement and I found it. Over the years the class has given me just what I was looking for: something that was just for me. I tried hard to not miss any sessions and have made some wonderful friendships.

Quite a long time ago I came to understand that people can be doing the same thing at the same time but come away with perceptions of very different experiences. TCC is good for almost everyone no matter why or how they come to the practice. It has been – and I hope will continue to be – an important part of my life.

Dear Justin:

Congratulations on your choice of careers, which helps me feel justified in my decision to learn about TCC: satisfaction. My teacher Donna has introduced me as a beginner, and after six of eight planned classes, I have begun to feel good about practicing. Honestly, I cannot identify any particular improvement in health. However, I am quickly learning the body movements, appreciate their grace and will continue to improve. As a beginner I cannot understand the future implications of continued study. But I will continue with Donna to find out what TCC has in store for me. Thank you for the opportunity to learn. ~ J. N.

Dear Justin,

Thank you for teaching TCC. I have tried for many years to take a class and for one reason or another, it didn’t work out. Finally, now I have found that TCC calms me and I look forward to practicing. I feel less mentally balanced when I don’t. I particularly enjoy practicing in our class because the energy created is wonderful. ~ J. G.

Dear Justin,

I apologize if that is too informal. Would you prefer to be referred to as Mr. Stone? I wanted to let you know how much I have enjoyed my TCC class and how much I respect you and your creations. I told all the people at work about TCC and my boss wants to have an instructor come by once a week to teach the employees and bosses because we are all stressed out. I hope you had a good birthday. I wish you lots of happiness. I will continue to practice TCC. ~ J. B.

Letter to Justin,

We are blessed to have Donna as our teacher – helpful, patient and encouraging. Your movements are well represented by her. The basics seem easy to learn, but it will take time to perfect the grace and flow necessary to receive the most benefits. Thank you for discovering this set of movements that can be handled by any age. (P.S. I like your video and book – both are very helpful.) ~ B. J. G.

Dear Justin,

Thank you for the opportunity to learn about TCC. This is a good class for college students because we are so stressed out. I know that eight weeks are not enough to learn; more will make this right. ~ C. G.