My long-time Tai Chi student, Eileen, is having knee replacement surgery tomorrow. As we know, preparing for surgery requires stamina, because there are many tests to go through, checking out current health, particularly heart health to ensure all signs are a “go” before embarking on a major invasive procedure. So what has Eileen done to help prepare her for surgery? Certainly following her doctors’ orders and also. . . doing Tai Chi. She told me she did Tai Chi in an empty lounge while waiting to take her cardiac test. She said she will visualize the Yang style form we are learning, while she is recovering from the procedure and when strong enough, will practice the a short Wudang form while sitting in a chair. Terrific! She has definitely internalized the healing properties of Tai Chi and will use these principles and moves in her own healing process.
Another student told me this week that she visualized doing our Tai Chi form while in the midst of a dental procedure recently. It helped her take her mind off of anything uncomfortable, while focusing on breathing and moving in gentle, flowing movements. Focusing her mind on Tai Chi movements helped her relax both her mind and her body.
Applying Tai Chi moves in situations outside the classroom is what it is about, taking the opportunity to experience relaxation, good energy, positive thoughts and enhance the healing process.
So, just as we will be sending Eileen collective positive energy from our class tomorrow, she will be doing her own part, in surgery and in recovery. She gets it.