Seated T'ai Chi Chih

 In creating Seated T’ai Chi Chih, Sandy's goal was to modify the practice while maintaining the integrity of T’ai Chi Chih.  The task at hand was to be sure that what she created held true to the  form  originated by Justin Stone. She listened to the suggestions  of other teachers and worked to refine an adapted practice  of T’ai Chi Chih. Now, in DVD, the adapted form can be  shared with the T’ai Chi Chih teachers  and practitioners all over the world. No previous knowledge  of T’ai Chi Chih is necessary to follow the DVD.The core of the seated practice honors the guiding principles applied to standing T’ai Chi Chih and follow those movements as closely  as possible. 
 

Part 1 of the DVD is instructional.  If a student is learning from a teacher, it is important that the teacher elaborate on the guiding T’ai Chi Chih principles while bringing their own style of expression and experience into the teaching.  If a student is learning from the DVD, the hope is that they will explore www.taichichih.org for more information about the practice.
 

   Part 2 of the DVD is a full practice session.  The speed is moderate with reminders.  Breathing in T’ai Chi Chih is not regulated (with the  exception of Joyous Breath) but is left to each person to feel what is natural for them.  However, in the seated practice, taking a deep breath  is often encouraged. The purpose of the breathing suggestion is to help keep the focus present and to help the body soften while relaxing into the stillness.
 

• Anchor Taffy is not included. The concern was that there would be too much twisting and leaning forward of the upper body while the bottom was stationary on the chair. 
• Working the Pulley is not included.  There is too much turning and twisting required while in a seated position to bring the arm back up and around fully.  If the movement were to be done with the  arm/hand motion primarily in front of the body, the seated move becomes overly modified compromising the integrity of the original movement. 

Teachers may be able to give adequate instruction on these movements  (and students do them without any problem) but it seemed wise to err on the side of caution when presenting them in a DVD.  The opposite hand  emphasis on Carry the Ball to the Side and Push Pull was left out for simplicity with the hope that teachers would include this in their teaching.  
 

Seated T’ai Chi Chih is an adapted form to allow people who, for whatever reason, cannot stand and do T’ai Chi Chih, to receive the  benefits which this trans formative practice generates.  If it strays too  far from the original form, the integrity of the practice is lost and  it is no longer Seated T’ai Chi Chih. Allow the simplicity of T’ai Chi Chih and the principles of softness and circularity, with a grounding  focus, to guide you as you explore Seated T’ai Chi Chih 

“I was amazed by the
            amount of energy flow doing the seated practiceThis is a great solution for one of the populations who will benefit             from T’ai Chi Chih the most: those who don’t have the energy or physical  ability to stand.”
   ~ Ami Sarasvati, T’ai Chi Chih Instructor
 

 "Thanks to Seated T'ai Chi Chih, which has me moving again, I don't feel as limited by my arthritis anymore."
~Diane Moffitt, student
 

     "The Seated T’ai Chi Chih practice has given me a way to relax and deal  with the stresses of constant pain, while easing some of the pain too."
            ~ Maria Todd, student