This was our topic of discussion:

" How has Tai Chi influenced your every day life " or "How has Tai Chi challenged you?" or "How has Tai Chi changed you personally?".

Here is the string of conversation (I have taken some administrative license to edit out some of the extraneous conversation that was irrelevant to the topics, in order to keep the transcript as succinct as possible):


[19:18:31 09/11/09] manickam34 : in order to get benefit how often and how long you have to do taichi
[19:18:54 09/11/09] @ SifuDonna : Raja...let me give you some of my thoughts on that
[19:19:25 09/11/09] @ SifuDonna : I believe that you can begin to achieve benefit with a small amount of practice as long as it is consistent
[19:19:40 09/11/09] @ SifuDonna : Do you feel that you have or have not begun to reap any benefits yet?
[19:20:30 09/11/09] manickam34 : i do get lot of benefit. my joints are moving well i dont have artrhiris
[19:20:56 09/11/09] @ SifuDonna : Raja - did you suffer with arthritis before your consistent practice of Tai Chi?
[19:23:04 09/11/09] manickam34 : i did tai chi regulary including the swoard and some whip in florida vacation. past one week t am taking complete rest
[19:23:56 09/11/09] @ SifuDonna : why are you on rest? Was it too much?
[19:24:30 09/11/09] manickam34 : i had laser surgery on my right eye
[19:25:22 09/11/09] @ SifuDonna : Oh I did not realize you had surgery. when did you have it?
[19:26:01 09/11/09] manickam34 : a week ago. the doctor wants me to take two weeks rest
[19:26:38 09/11/09] @ SifuDonna : are you feeling well now?
[19:26:50 09/11/09] manickam34 : yes
[19:27:34 09/11/09] @ SifuDonna : so when will you be able to practice again?
[19:28:23 09/11/09] manickam34 : i can practice. just rest no exercise of any kind
[19:29:44 09/11/09] jjreehill : hello
[19:29:54 09/11/09] @ SifuDonna : Hello josephine
[19:30:08 09/11/09] manickam34 : hello
[19:31:26 09/11/09] @ SifuDonna : Josephine...we are just chatting about anything. I think we could get back on topic though
[19:31:30 09/11/09] @ SifuDonna : here is the topic:
[19:31:46 09/11/09] @ SifuDonna : " How has Tai Chi influenced your every day life " or "How has Tai Chi challenged you?" or "How has Tai Chi changed you personally?".
[19:32:08 09/11/09] @ SifuDonna : raja shared how much relief he has gotten from tai chi regarding his arthritis
[19:32:54 09/11/09] jjreehill : I don't think Tai Chai has changed my personally but it has taught me that I can do things I never thought I could.
[19:34:42 09/11/09] manickam34 : mental peace if tai chi is done just consentrating the movements ony. it is like meditation
[19:35:06 09/11/09] jjreehill : More specifically to be more aware of myself and others.
[19:35:26 09/11/09] @ SifuDonna : Raja - I agree.
[19:35:49 09/11/09] @ SifuDonna : Josephine...you mentioned that you are more self- aware
[19:35:57 09/11/09] @ SifuDonna : How does that look in your life?
[19:38:10 09/11/09] manickam34 : Donna do you do tai chi regulary besides teaching
[19:38:19 09/11/09] @ SifuDonna : hi judy
[19:38:29 09/11/09] judithrose : hi
[19:39:23 09/11/09] judithrose : yes--Tai Chi has made me a more patient person
[19:39:35 09/11/09] jjreehill : I was accustomed to having advice on what I do now I have only myself to depend on.
[19:40:07 09/11/09] @ SifuDonna : Patience is a great virtue!
[19:40:19 09/11/09] jjreehill : Judy, I wish I had your patience I guess Tail Chi has not yet taught me that.
[19:40:23 09/11/09] @ SifuDonna : Josephine...has Tai Chi helped you with taking more control of things?
[19:40:26 09/11/09] judithrose : Patience is hard for me
[19:40:43 09/11/09] @ SifuDonna : patience is hard for everybody - LOL
[19:41:16 09/11/09] manickam34 : true
[19:41:19 09/11/09] judithrose : it has also helped my physically--my knees are much better
[19:41:36 09/11/09] jjreehill : Patience is a virtue so they say. I guess I have I need to learn virtue first.
[19:41:42 09/11/09] @ SifuDonna : does anyone find that Tai Chi brings clarity to abstract thoughts or ideas?
[19:42:02 09/11/09] @ SifuDonna : Too funny Josephine!!!
[19:42:07 09/11/09] jjreehill : Never though about it.
[19:42:37 09/11/09] @ SifuDonna : anyone else?
[19:43:00 09/11/09] manickam34 : not really
[19:43:06 09/11/09] @ SifuDonna : I have had the experience of having tai chi bring emotional and spiritual concepts into a more clear perspective.
[19:43:23 09/11/09] judithrose : our class has offered me friendship with a group of different people
[19:43:42 09/11/09] @ SifuDonna : Not anything that's a really big deal...just simple concepts like trust, or patience or empathy
[19:43:48 09/11/09] judithrose : what concepts
[19:44:22 09/11/09] @ SifuDonna : does that make sense? or should I explain further?
[19:44:28 09/11/09] jjreehill : What to you mean by trust
[19:44:38 09/11/09] judithrose : yes,when a new stident joins our class we feel for where they are because we were there
[19:44:42 09/11/09] @ SifuDonna : trusting myslef and trustuing the teaching
[19:45:08 09/11/09] @ SifuDonna : one example of trusting myself is to believe that I can actually do something..even if I never did it before
[19:45:35 09/11/09] @ SifuDonna : Judy - that is a good example of empathy! Excellent!
[19:46:24 09/11/09] judithrose : also--when we do Tai Chi, we don't know how far we have yet to go, so we are like beginners
[19:47:02 09/11/09] jjreehill : We will always be beginners because there is so much to learn.
[19:47:04 09/11/09] @ SifuDonna : This is true! We should always have "beginners" mind
[19:47:50 09/11/09] @ SifuDonna : So what do you guys think about tai chi as a form of physical fitness?
[19:48:13 09/11/09] judithrose : great--better balance
[19:49:14 09/11/09] jjreehill : Got stronger bones.
[19:49:27 09/11/09] judithrose : also good for concentration
[19:49:30 09/11/09] manickam34 : it reduces bp and regulate heaert rate in recent study
[19:49:41 09/11/09] @ SifuDonna : Joespehine - this is interesting
[19:49:55 09/11/09] @ SifuDonna : do you feel that you have had change in the strength of your bones due to tai chi?
[19:50:19 09/11/09] judithrose : allover relaxing feling when I do it correctly
[19:50:34 09/11/09] @ SifuDonna : I think these are all great benefits, but I don't think many people would categorize these things as a way to stay fit...do you?
[19:50:48 09/11/09] manickam34 : selected obese patient, they cannot do any excecise, tried taich 15 minutes for 12 weeks and got the result
[19:51:00 09/11/09] judithrose : no, but no wear on joints so it is good
[19:51:03 09/11/09] @ SifuDonna : raja - that is amazing!
[19:51:14 09/11/09] @ SifuDonna : It would be so good for more people to know these kinds of benefits
[19:51:16 09/11/09] jjreehill : Yes, went for a bone scan and have not lost any bone since doing tai chi and the MD attributes it to the tai chi classes with the constant movement .
[19:51:31 09/11/09] @ SifuDonna : WOW - that is amazing!
[19:52:11 09/11/09] judithrose : maybe these benefits need to be put out in RWJ center
[19:52:22 09/11/09] manickam34 : many things tai chi slow and so no benefit
[19:52:58 09/11/09] @ SifuDonna : Raja I agree...there is a preconception that if something is slow - it is not going to get a result
[19:52:59 09/11/09] jjreehill : What to you mean no benefit
[19:53:11 09/11/09] judithrose : raja--Feldenkrass is slow and has benefits and I think our class is the same
[19:53:13 09/11/09] @ SifuDonna : \yet another falsehood that our western culture encourages
[19:53:36 09/11/09] @ SifuDonna : raja is saying that people think that because it is dojne slow - there will be no benefit
[19:53:42 09/11/09] manickam34 : manu think same for feldenkrass too
[19:54:16 09/11/09] @ SifuDonna : it's a shame that people miss out on something because they aren't open to a new way of doing something
[19:54:17 09/11/09] judithrose : but aren't we lucky--we know better !!!!!!!!!!
[19:54:27 09/11/09] @ SifuDonna : true!!!!
[19:54:47 09/11/09] @ SifuDonna : I also think that the mindset of the person is key as well
[19:55:14 09/11/09] judithrose : true--we are all of the same type of person in our class
[19:55:24 09/11/09] @ SifuDonna : I'll bet there are people who may try feldenkreis or tai chi and not get any benefit - because they don't really believe that it can produce a benefit
[19:55:54 09/11/09] @ SifuDonna : what do you think atre the characteristics of a typical tai chi student?
[19:55:58 09/11/09] manickam34 : years ago no tai chi in India. Recenly lot of tai chi classes opened and they are very happy with that
[19:55:59 09/11/09] judithrose : yes--you have to believe !!!!!!!!!!
[19:56:07 09/11/09] @ SifuDonna : meaning a "serious" tai chi student
[19:56:38 09/11/09] judithrose : open to suggestion
[19:56:41 09/11/09] @ SifuDonna : raja - that's great that there is now more opportunity in India for this.
[19:56:51 09/11/09] judithrose : willing to try over and over
[19:56:58 09/11/09] @ SifuDonna : persistent!
[19:57:04 09/11/09] @ SifuDonna : what else?
[19:57:07 09/11/09] manickam34 : yes. there was an article in tai chi megazine about it
[19:57:51 09/11/09] judithrose : yes andpatient
[19:58:20 09/11/09] @ SifuDonna : Yes...patience too! I agree. josephine & raja...do you have any thoughts on characteristics of a serious tai chi student
[19:58:26 09/11/09] judithrose : interested in bettering yourself
[19:58:33 09/11/09] @ SifuDonna : good one!
[19:58:54 09/11/09] jjreehill : I think all our students are "serious". Could it be that Tai Chi in India is due to the fact that many Americans are there?
[19:58:55 09/11/09] @ SifuDonna : I would say meticulous too
[19:59:15 09/11/09] manickam34 : you have to like it too
[19:59:48 09/11/09] judithrose : paying vlose attention to detail
[19:59:55 09/11/09] @ SifuDonna : Raja...that is the key to all successful endeavors! I think that is why tai chi only fits a very limited portion of the population
[20:00:04 09/11/09] manickam34 : no. china and india are getting closser in growth and economy
[20:00:28 09/11/09] jjreehill : A serious tai chi student is one who attends classes and pays attention to what the instructer is saying and following this advice.
[20:00:52 09/11/09] @ SifuDonna : That's a good one too
[20:01:25 09/11/09] @ SifuDonna : I have found that it is very important to obey my teacher...even when it was difficult to do so.
[20:01:26 09/11/09] judithrose : practicing often helps
[20:01:38 09/11/09] @ SifuDonna : It teaches me humilty
[20:01:45 09/11/09] @ SifuDonna : and a respect for authorty
[20:01:59 09/11/09] judithrose : we always fel humble
[20:02:02 09/11/09] @ SifuDonna : I have had a lot of trouble with that in the past and I have come a long way wioth that
[20:02:19 09/11/09] @ SifuDonna : you are one step ahead of me Judy! - LOL!!!
[20:02:31 09/11/09] @ SifuDonna : I need to relearn that lesson over and over again!
[20:02:48 09/11/09] judithrose : doing the form alone gives you a different feeling
[20:03:05 09/11/09] @ SifuDonna : what kind of feeling can you describe?
[20:03:09 09/11/09] jjreehill : Sifu Donna - I need to log off. I have a call I need to take care of but look forward to the next discussion. I enjoyed every comment and thought.
[20:03:26 09/11/09] @ SifuDonna : no problem...thanks josephine have a great nbight!
[20:03:40 09/11/09] judithrose : I feel calm and strong that I can do it
[20:04:15 09/11/09] @ SifuDonna : Is it because you are relying on your training and acquired knowledge?
[20:04:36 09/11/09] manickam34 : judi, do you do tai chi every day for how long
[20:04:47 09/11/09] judithrose : yes abd I fel proud ( just a little) when I have success
[20:05:09 09/11/09] judithrose : about 10 minutes every day
[20:05:31 09/11/09] @ SifuDonna : consistency is the key - do you agree that consistency is what provides the benefit?
[20:05:49 09/11/09] manickam34 : all form take about 10 minutes
[20:06:06 09/11/09] judithrose : yes because you can realize where your mistakes are and correct them
[20:06:31 09/11/09] judithrose : I don'r do the whole form every day--just parts
[20:06:49 09/11/09] @ SifuDonna : correcting mistakes is always the goal.
[20:07:00 09/11/09] @ SifuDonna : then keeping them corrected
[20:07:16 09/11/09] manickam34 : it is hard to detect his own mistake, some one has to correct. that why we nee aguru like Donna or lee
[20:07:16 09/11/09] @ SifuDonna : raja...judy posted her training schedule in the forum.
[20:07:34 09/11/09] @ SifuDonna : it is very good and can give you a good example of how to make the most of your time
[20:07:38 09/11/09] judithrose : you are rith raja !!!!!!!!
[20:08:07 09/11/09] judithrose : I mean right
[20:08:11 09/11/09] @ SifuDonna : i agree that we all need someone else's "eye", but we can also catch problems ourselves and work hard to correct them too.
[20:08:52 09/11/09] @ SifuDonna : that is why I feel so strongly about teaching tai chi according to the pricnciples and not so much about the "strictness" of the specific movement
[20:09:00 09/11/09] judithrose : I llke the quiet alone--I can feel myself move better
[20:09:16 09/11/09] @ SifuDonna : when you know principles, you can make your own judgements
[20:09:38 09/11/09] judithrose : true
[20:09:38 09/11/09] @ SifuDonna : I agree that there is something very special about practicing alone.
[20:09:59 09/11/09] @ SifuDonna : so do you guys have anything else to discuss?
[20:10:05 09/11/09] manickam34 : i tried tai chi with video and books and failed. only after koing tai cllass I understand
[20:10:11 09/11/09] judithrose : also I like to do the form outside
[20:11:00 09/11/09] @ SifuDonna : raja...you are correct that trying to learn from a video is almost impossible. once you have learned a foundation though...you can use a video for reference
[20:11:18 09/11/09] judithrose : I think books and videos are OK only after you learn from a real person
[20:11:20 09/11/09] @ SifuDonna : doing the form outside is outstanding!
[20:11:22 09/11/09] manickam34 : that is true
[20:11:49 09/11/09] @ SifuDonna : We used to go to a retreat every spring and do all of our workouts outdoors. it is a wonderful thing
[20:12:12 09/11/09] @ SifuDonna : I train with my teacher outside as well. he has no building - so it is out of necessity
[20:12:14 09/11/09] judithrose : brings you closer to God
[20:12:32 09/11/09] @ SifuDonna : I agree! being in nature is a connector for me as well.
[20:12:59 09/11/09] @ SifuDonna : the tai chi classics teach that man is the realm between heaven and earth
[20:13:12 09/11/09] @ SifuDonna : we are the connector in some respect.
[20:13:20 09/11/09] judithrose : we must keep on reaching
[20:13:34 09/11/09] @ SifuDonna : this is true.
[20:13:48 09/11/09] @ SifuDonna : rememberv though that there is a pull from the earth but only a call from the heavens
[20:14:11 09/11/09] @ SifuDonna : getting to the higher realm takes much more work than simply aquiescing to the earthly call on our lives
[20:14:27 09/11/09] judithrose : sorry I was late--and now Al need the computer, so good night
[20:14:42 09/11/09] @ SifuDonna : I think it's time to call it a noght
[20:14:50 09/11/09] @ SifuDonna : Raja - are you ready to say goodnoght?
[20:15:01 09/11/09] manickam34 : yes good night
[20:15:17 09/11/09] @ SifuDonna : thanks so much everyone - see you later this week.