"T'ai Chi has improved every area of my life. My overall strength has increased. I have much better balance, flexibility and coordination. I breathe more deeply and my concentration has also improved. I have realized that I really am graceful and I enjoy the flowing movements. T'ai Chi enables me to release stress quickly and with minimal effort. I can now center myself anywhere and anytime I need to. Because of this practice, I enjoy my life much more. T'ai Chi enables me to pay attention to everything around me and within. It has given me a much richer inner and outer life" - Debbie Cogan
"Having studied an external style for many years, it's nice to find something to balance my energy as I grow older. I've found the health benefits are the most compelling and desirable aspects of practicing T'ai Chi on a daily basis." - Ed Istnick Jr.
"When I first took T'ai Chi, I sought it out as a relief from stress. As time went on, I noticed it increased my balance, co-ordination, breathing capacity and stamina. As more time went by, I noticed how it made my life in general to be more expanded and balanced. I became better at adjusting to life's ups and downs. The biggest surprise of all was my new found ability to feel and experience life on many levels--where feelings, instincts and emotions interchange in a balanced manner. All this enabled me to give more of myself to others in a positive, uplifting spirit" - Mary Ann Calderwood
"I have been actively involved in the martial arts for the past twenty years. About five years ago, I started practicing T'ai Chi and it has had a positive effect on not only my martial arts, but also on my general outlook on life. I highly recommend T'ai Chi because it has something to offer everyone regardless of age or physical make-up. It is a practical means of stress management and physical conditioning. T'ai Chi also puts you in touch with your natural abilities and how to use them." Sensei Joe Ragan, Yodan
"Studying T'ai Chi was very enlightening and also very beneficial...I have arthritis. T'ai Chi has given me a new freedom and a valuable release from depression and stress" AV
"When I first took T'ai Chi, I sought it out as a relief from stress. As time went on, I noticed it increased my balance, co-ordination, breathing capacity and stamina. As more time went by, I noticed how it made my life in general to be more expanded and balanced. I became better at adjusting to life's ups and downs. The biggest surprise of all was my new found ability to feel and experience life on many levels--where feelings, instincts and emotions interchange in a balanced manner. All this enabled me to give more of myself to others in a positive, uplifting spirit" Mary Ann Calderwood
"When I began taking T'ai Chi lessons four years ago, I was having colds; very unusual for me. I liked the warm up movements. And I made the discovery that when the session was over, I had more energy than when I bean. It was not like jogging. It was like a moving yoga practice. At seventy, I know that this is the moving meditation practice I want to do for the rest of my life. I also noted that when I stopped having colds, I had more flexibility in my joints and my overall immune system improved. Two years ago, I began teaching the warm up movements to seniors at the county senior center. The gentle movements are known to reduce falls of the elderly by up to 48% according to the latest (1997) Emory University research. Once the simple movements are learned, I see an enthusiasm for sharing with others the movements. Deeper breathing, better balance, stronger immune systems and greater awareness are physical and spiritual benefits of this traditional practice, known in China for thousands of years. Learning T'ai Chi with Marie Lew expands my meditation practice to include movement and a deeper awareness of what is going on in my body. There is no boredom in standing in lines at the post office or grocery store. I have become more aware of balance in my body and the flow of energy through my breathing. All of which gives me more joy in any present moment" Reverend Stephen Pressey
"T'ai Chi is many things to many people. But, for me, it was a way to help my asthma and other health concerns. Even though I wanted more from it than to just help my asthma, I wanted just to learn it. But, it has done so much for me. Even though my health is the number one thing it has helped, this is the first in three years I haven't been sick or in the hospital. And I attribute it to T'ai Chi. Of course our teacher, Marie Lew, has a lot to do with it as well. I feel she is wise beyond her years. She has taught us a lot about ourselves and T'ai Chi" Kim Shoman
"With the increase of flexibility in my body and the peacefulness of my mind, I have achieved a balance in my life." CB
"I have been actively involved in the martial arts for the past twenty years. About five years ago, I started practicing T'ai Chi and it has had a positive effect on not only my martial arts, but also on my general outlook on life. I highly recommend T'ai Chi because it has something to offer everyone regardless of age or physical make-up. It is a practical means of stress management and physical conditioning. T'ai Chi also puts you in touch with your natural abilities and how to use them." Sensei Joe Ragan, Yodan
"Words will not do justice to what T'ai Chi means to me. T'ai Chi helps me on my journey to achieve balance and inner peace. I have become a much more aware person. And I deal with "Life" situations with more ease and grace. T'ai Chi helps me feel good about myself, other people, our planet and my spirituality. It is a positively wonderful experience." Simone Miller