| Interview Reflecting on the Many Benefits of
Tai Chi
One of our students, Diana, who has been with the Academy for
a few years, was asked to share her Tai Chi experiences with us. She told us that trying
Tai Chi was not her idea and that she knew nothing about it. She said that a friend
suggested it might be "good" for her. This same friend made enquiries about
classes and offered her a lift – to ensure that Diana didn’t change her mind!
From the very first class, Diana said that she felt the
warmth, encouragement and enthusiasm from the instructor. The movements seemed a little
like slow dancing – smooth, flowing and relaxing. It felt good so she decided to
continue. As she learnt more movements which became a routine, she began to enjoy
practising the form [as it is called] even more.
Diana also noticed some very positive changes in her health.
She told us that when driving to Sydney, she had been bothered by an old neck injury,
which restricted her driving to about one hour at a time. After practising Tai Chi for a
while, she found that she was able to drive to Sydney and back in the same day, with no
sign of a neck problem. Another improvement in her health was the disappearance of
chilblains which had plagued her for years. She said that her doctor attributed this to
better circulation – a direct result of Tai Chi practice. However, the greatest
benefit she feels she has gained has been that her migraine headaches, which had become
more frequent, have not occurred at all during the last three years.
Diana said that there was one change in herself that she was
slow to acknowledge, because it was very subtle and "crept up" on her. The
philosophy of Tai Chi emphasises accepting change and "going with the flow".
Diana has always been a perfectionist, but through Tai Chi, she has been able to relax and
accept that her best effort really is good enough. She has also recognised that to resist
or deny change makes life very stressful, to accept change allows her to be more calm and
relaxed. She feels that these health benefits alone make Tai Chi very valuable and
worthwhile for her.
Because of Diana’s improved health, and the friendship
and enjoyment that she experiences at Tai Chi, she feels she will continue her practice
for many years to come. She would recommend Tai Chi to anyone looking for better health,
exercise and relaxation.
(This is an actual interview, but the name has been changed
for reasons of privacy.)
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