March 17, 2014
My Inspiration to Practice Tai Chi
By Inge Lewis
I have wanted to learn Tai Chi since I was a little girl watching early morning practice in a park in Shanghai. I was told it was called “shadow boxing.” Having polio in my right leg made it impossible to do some of the movements, such as standing on one leg, so for a long time, I regretfully shelved that wish along with dreams of ballet lessons. My Chinese grandmother started learning Tai Chi in her 60s. As she lay dying in her mid-80s, she grumbled and said Tai Chi was to blame for the extra years of her life. I never forgot that.
Chinese New Year 2013 began with a resolution that I would ask if it was possible for me to learn Tai Chi with only one and a half functioning legs. At least I would find out for certain that my wish was ludicrous. At that time, I could barely walk around the block without having to press against my right knee to keep it from buckling.
It seemed fitting that at the beginning of the Year of the Snake, I would go to the Hall of the Snake and Crane to ask my vital question. Imagine my surprise when Sifu said at my free introduction, “Yes, of course!” Duh?I was and am still excited and curious.
Now eight months later, I am getting used to the fact that everything I ever believed of what my right leg is capable of was wrong. Polio experts would tell you that what I am doing now is plainly impossible. Comparing my first day in class and now, I see huge differences. At first, Wu Chi (standing meditation) was possible only for a few seconds at a time before I had to shift my weight entirely to the left leg.
Now, I can manage minutes. Even more surprising to me is the fact that I can bend my right knee, albeit not quite in the correct forward position, yet. The seconds I can stand on my right leg are increasing. My muscles are changing. I walk differently. What else will happen to me?
I look forward to each class, wondering what new surprises I will discover. I wish others could share my joy and wonder.
– Inge Lewis has been practicing Tai Chi for one year.