The lithe of Tai Chi 

One of the key elements of TaiChi is awareness. You are not just aware of your surroundings but you are aware of every scintillating aspect of life: mellifluous sounds of wind in the canopy of trees, effervescent birds, whispers of the grass, endless felicity of buzzing insects – auroras of energy all streaming to you to touch the surreptitious strings of your body. And then you are aware of the visceral auroras, the vibes of your body and soul are harmonized and you can dwell in the gossamer of life. It might feel like a halcyon but instead, it is all human’s dream for the future of peace and intrinsic understanding.

_{Mandala crochet, 2021.}

Tai Chi Reflections.

I had other tai chi instructors previously, but none had resonated with me as you have.  I noticed from the very first in-person class that we had at the 

Lincoln Park Athletic Club.  You had us in a circle that was more supportive and that we could see what others were doing or thought they were doing.  You spoke more with encouragement.  Your instructions helped us to envision and internalize the experience.  We were more present when we used our voices as a group.

You gave feedback and through your physical adjustments we had a better idea of how the position should feel.  The mirrors in the classroom helped, too.

Your style appealed more to the “western mind” as opposed to the traditional style.

You asked for feedback after the class which helped increase the awareness of the movements and memory for practice later.

I had a hip issue and had tried many different modalities of exercise and healing.  Among them were: yoga classes, one-on-one yoga, acupuncture. Rolfing, physical therapy and massage.  At the time I hadn’t realized that I had a bone-on-bone situation in my hips.  And, yet, I didn’t have pain.  I experienced it as tightness or stiffness.  Had I known I would have probably had the replacements done sooner.  The tai chi after the replacements helped with regaining my mobility and range of motion.  It continues to today nearly three years post surgery.  Movements are more fluid and stronger.

Another physical effect was that my blood pressure dropped over the years to 110/70 to 100/60 without extensive cardio workouts.  What a nice benefit!!  It was checked/monitored every time I went to the blood bank.  (I was donating platelets, and you can give every other week.)  This change coincided with an increase in the tai chi practice.  We were doing one class a week and then added the Saturday classes and then I added practice at home.  So, my practice ranged from 4 to 6 times a week.  Walking is my main activity with regard to cardio.  My hips didn’t allow me to run before the surgery.  And at 73 years of age, I doubt that I’ll endeavor to add it to my exercise regimen.   

It is all a work in progress.  More calm.  More centered.  More equanimity.  

I hope this helps.  Have a beautiful Day!

Wally

Letter of Recommendation

For

Dmitri Goloscapovs, founder, Ya-taichi

To whom it may concern.

I am writing this letter of recommendation for anyone interested in learning more about how Dmitri’s Tai Chi Fitness Program will benefit your health, especially if in your Golden Years, like me. 

I started practicing Tai Chi with Dmitri four years ago and have continued every year since. At the time, I was 71 years old with painful neuropathy in both feet, fibromyalgia, arthritis, and degenerative bone disease.  The benefits to my health include 80% reduction of my neuropathy with improved flexibility of toes and bones in the feet, reduction of pain from arthritis, more stamina throughout my day, increased energy to face life’s complexities and challenges, improved concentration and focus – cognitive health, and strengthening of muscles and enhancing flexibility and coordination, reducing the risk of falls. The benefits I have received have exceeded my expectations.

 What’s most important is that you know Dmitri’s goal and his heart – he is 100% committed to improving your health through the unique Tai Chi fitness practices that he has designed. What I have also observed about Dmitri is his careful observation of each person’s strengths and challenges during each one of his classes. From his gentle corrections and comments, Dmitri is striving to ensure that each person is improving, not just for the sake of the Tai Chi form, but for the sake of their health.

I hope that my experience has helped you understand many of the benefits that you can look forward to with Dmitri’s uniquely designed Tai Chi Fitness Program..

Warm regards,

Marilyn Hughes