T’ai Chi Chih
In addition to being a Health & Wellness Coach I am also an accredited T'ai Chi Chih instructor. I came to the practice of T'ai Chi Chih for purely personal reasons. I had heard of its many benefits for Body, Mind and Spirit and wanted to experience them for myself. I wasn't sure exactly what to expect at my first class and was even a little nervous. What I found was a practice that is easy to learn and delivered on the benefits I was seeking. I was able to de-stress and bring a sense of calm into my days. I then wanted to go deeper into my own practice as well as share the wonderful benefits of T'ai Chi Chih so I became a teacher. I truly enjoy seeing the positive results students find. The changes that occur over just an eight week beginning class can be quite amazing.
If you're local come join us in one of my public classes. Contact me to arrange private individual or group classes in the San Francisco Bay Area. Workplace classes may be arranged by themselves or in conjuntion with a Health and Wellness Coaching program. You may also find teachers in your area by clicking here.
What is T’ai Chi Chih?
T'ai Chi Chih® is a set of movements completely focused on the development of an intrinsic energy called Chi. It's easy to learn and usually takes about two months (or eight classes). T'ai Chi Chih (TCC) consists of 19 stand-alone movements and one pose.T'ai Chi Chih does not require a particular level of physical fitness or coordination. The very old and very young alike can learn it. (For those with physical limitations, movements may be done seated – with some modification.) Regular practice generates an overall calm sense of well-being in the mind, body and soul.
Is this the T’ai Chi I often hear about?
More than likely, no. The most common reference of the term “T’ai Chi” is to the ancient chinese martial art called T’ai Chi Ch’uan.
How is T’ai Chi Chih different?
T’ai Chi Chih is based on the eternal values of yin and yang. In 1974, Justin Stone, a T’ai Chi Ch’uan master originated 19 simple, easy-to-learn movements to help people realize beneficial results. T’ai Chi Chih is a healing art, not a martial art. It is an inner discipline for the body, mind and spirit. In fact, T’ai Chi Chih is often thought of as a moving meditation because it calms the mind, eases tension, and allows us to go more deeply within ourselves.
Why practice T’ai Chi Chih?
T’ai Chi Chih can be an extremely valuable life-management tool. With regular practice, the life energy balances. Blockages that impede a sense of wholeness begin to change. Benefits to emotional, spiritual, and physical well-being become evident. The gentle flow inherent in T’ai Chi Chih renews and refreshes one’s entire way of living with a sense of deep contentment, serenity, inner strength, gratitude and joy.
What is Chi?
Chi is the life force (some call it Intelligent Wisdom) that flows through all living beings. Our thoughts affect the Chi and how we feel physically, emotionally, and mentally.
How is Chi affected by T’ai Chi Chih?
The combined principles of Softness, Circularity, Polarity, Synchronicity, and Continuity in T’ai Chi Chih activate, circulate, and balance our Life Force in a way that allows the Chi to flow freely, and healthfully, within the individual. As Chi circulates without hindrance, it allows us to:
- Go with Life’s Flow
- Quiet the Mind, while Remaining Alert & Focused
- Be Gentle and Non-Judgmental of Self & Others
- Release Rigid Mindsets
- Overcome Problems through Softness & Yielding, rather than Hardness & Force
Benefits of Practice
T’ai Chi Chih has a powerful effect on the body. It seems to purify the vital energy by activating, circulating, and balancing the intrinsic Vital Force in a way that allows the individual to experience physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Students enjoy unique experiences as T’ai Chi Chih improves their quality of life. For many students, T’ai Chi Chih has become a metaphor for how they move and flow with Life.
Reported Benefits include:
- Stress Reduction
- Increased Energy & Stamina
- Improved Mental Concentration & Clarity
- Increased Self-Confidence
- Enhanced Creativity
- Improved Overall Health
- Relief from Chronic Conditions
- Lower Blood Pressure
- Strengthening of Immune System
- A Sense of Peace and Joy
Specific benefits can neither be predicted nor guaranteed. Each person seems to receive what he/she needs.
Do I need special clothing or equipment?
No, however clothing should not be constricting. Most people come in their regular “street” or work clothes. They are also able to return directly to work. Footwear is optional. Some classes I teach are in a Yoga studio and footwear must be removed for these classes only.
Does T’ai Chi Chih require special abilities?
No. Almost anyone can do T’ai Chih Chih. It is non-strenuous, and is practiced as though one is moving in “slow motion, like in a dream.” The movements are usually done while standing; however, it is easily adaptable, and equally effective, in a seated position.
Is T’ai Chi Chih a religious practice?
No. T’ai Chi Chih is neither a religion nor a threat to your current faith. In its deepest practice it is very spiritual. In fact, some report that T’ai Chi Chih deepens their own religious experience.
Who endorses T’ai Chi Chih?
T’ai Chi Chih has received favorable endorsements from a number of sources. These include, but are not limited to, the Mayo Clinic, The Arthritis Foundation, The Journal of Gerontological Nursing, Psychosomatic Medicine, published by the UCLA Neuropsychiatric Institute, and The Tufts University Health & Nutrition Letter. Studies continue to be released supporting beneficial effects of T’ai Chi Chih.
How can I learn T’ai Chi Chih?
I offer Beginning T’ai Chi Chih in a series of 8 one hour sessions in which all 19 movements and one pose are taught. Continuing Classes are offered for students who have completed the Beginning Class. We review and fine tune each of the movements and pose. Students gain a deeper understanding of the "vital force" (chi). There is also an additional emphasis on meditation. Both public and private/workplace classes are available for groups or individuals.
Click here current public class schedule.
Contact me for private individual and group instruction for your organization or workplace in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Click here for teacher's in your area.
