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Leisure, Fun, Relaxation, Prayer |
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He was called “the professor.” Once a week the professor came to our elementary school and guided each class across the street to the public park. There he engaged us in deep breathing, stretching and movements that required coordination and discipline. It was fun! Through the decades that followed those early experiences I “dabbled” in a variety of aerobic, fitness, breathing, stretching, dance movements that were all focused on fostering good health, fitness and fun. Like many folks I searched for an exercise that would “fit” me, afford some joy, be prayerful and offer long term benefits that would outweigh the cost of the daily disciplinary practice. In the ’70s a group of us who ministered at Mount Carmel started a yoga practice, and a few years later I was introduced to T’ai Chi Ch’uan, the ancient martial art practice. It is noteworthy that yoga practice continues today through the Mount Carmel Wellness Department. And T’ai Chi Chih® practice groups can be found in various spots on the Mount Carmel complex. An eastern philosopher would readily see the “hill” as a holy place, and the sending forth of “Chi” as peace energy for the world. Ten years ago I discovered T’ai Chi Chih, joy through movement, a gentle practice akin to yoga and other ancient eastern movements that works toward the circulation and balance of Chi energy yielding mental, physical and spiritual benefits. Originated by Justice Stone, a former T’ai Chi Ch’uan instructor, the movements meet the needs of westerners who seek a simple antidote to a frenzied, hurried, overworked milieu, namely, serenity, wisdom, flexibility, relaxation and good health. My personal practice of TCC is usually preceded by a number of yoga postures. Yoga and T’ai Chi Chih both
Both practices offer “leisure, fun, relaxation and prayer in one (or two) square yards of space! Recently, I emailed a simple poll to see if other BVMs or Associates engage in eastern practices. To my delight I received over 35 responses representing individuals or groups ranging from 2 to 75 persons. The practices included a variety of stretching, breathing and aerobic movements, but the majority of responses reported on yoga and T’ai Chi Chih. Respondents described some of the benefits listing: stress relieving, aid in centering and prayer, flexibility, blood pressure reduction, better balance, meditative, reflective, joyful, energizing, suppleness for arthritis, serenity, a sense of well being. The challenge of the discipline of daily practice was counterbalanced by many who noted a real difference in a day in which the practice was not done. Practicing with one or more persons seemed to be critical for faithfulness. The simplicity of these practices which require no special clothes, shoes, space or equipment was mentioned as a plus factor. Most related the practices as holistic, affecting their mental/physical/spiritual well being. Betty Voss, BVM (Leonice) who has practiced yoga/meditation for over 18 years, believes that it has helped her cope with the stresses of life and brought her to a deeper inner awareness of God’s presence. Joan Judge Mirabal, an Associate who practices both yoga and tai chi, says that they have helped her become “healthier, holier and happier.” C. Jean Hayen, BVM, who has taught T’ai Chi Chih for five years at Mount Carmel, commented on how both energy and calm permeate a group practice. The list of positive responses is lengthy and one could wonder if faithfulness to these practices might eliminate a need for vacation or leisure time. Certainly not! Respondents suggested that there is nothing more vacating (freeing) than doing t’ai chi on an Pacific seashore, an Alps mountaintop, a Mexican pyramid, a Colorado meadow, an Ozark stream, or by an Appalachian waterfall! About the author: Mary Frances Reis, BVM (Paul Adele) ministers in a parish and hospice in Kennett, Mo. Return
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