Why TCC, Now?

Every teacher of T’ai Chi Chih has a most wonderful gift to offer, 19 movements and one pose. It is the gift that caused people to write to Justin Stone and say, “T’ai Chi Chih has changed my life!” Even people who already seem to have a very nice life have been drawn to it. After practicing for a while, they hear other people say: “There is something different about you.” Their friends may wonder, was it weight loss, a new haircut or different clothing? The TCC practitioner realizes that something else accounts for the change. The practitioner themselves will often say, “I have faith in myself again.” … “I feel more connected to myself, more grounded.” … “I feel I have the ability to make a difference in this world.”

There hasn’t been a big hype to spread the word. People have been invited to try TCC by a longtime friend, relative, co-worker or someone they would never have guessed was a TCC practitioner. And it always comes with the same results: “I feel better about myself than I have in years. I look forward to my practice.”

Someone said, “It is not an exercise and yet it is the best exercise I can do.” During this time of uncertainty, our minds can wander into unhappy situations. Will deaths from COVID-19 continue to climb? How will it affect my family? We can get out of balance and overthink these situations. By doing TCC, we are not as likely to overthink situations; instead we are the ones to think positively and help others do the same. We feel more connected to each other; we have a belief in humanity. We see that the more we hold on to the highest, safest and most life-affirming ideas, others will begin to do the same. Belief in each other, in humanity, feels good. It matches how we feel after our daily TCC practice.

Now is a very special time. We are in the midst of many situations at once, some of which are incredibly difficult. Peace and equanimity are needed more than ever in this world. We can lead the way. You and I can make a difference. Now is when we can learn to love and share the Chi.