Testimonials

 

Pamela Dekema

I had a major and totally unexpected bout of sciatica earlier this year. At the time, I was actively doing yoga and pilates in addition to the Tai Chi for Enlightener's lessons.

 

During my initial recovery period, I was reluctant to return to any form of exercise other than walking because I was afraid of triggering another episode. I was particularly leery of yoga and pilates because they often involve stretching, which it hurt me to do.

 

However, I suspected that tai chi would be a great way to ease back into my exercise routine. And so it has proven. Even my early days of soreness allowed me to move in the gentle but still challenging ways called for in tai chi. Perhaps the secret to this puzzle lies in the control necessary to do tai chi, as opposed to the overt strength, endurance and innumerable repetitions required in other forms of exercise.

 

Thankfully, my back is now almost entirely back to normal. On the morning when I was taken by ambulance to the emergency room and given two shots of morphine (the first drugged everything about me except that darn sciatica nerve), I would never have believed I could be well again. I certainly credit my tai chi studies for a good part of my speedy recovery.

 

 

Shirley Brown, age 75 (Gardener, hiker, traveler and grandmother)

My thoughts on Tai Chi for Enlighteners

 

Two years ago, I needed to do something for myself that would keep me balanced mentally, emotionally and physically. I was taking care of my very sick husband and was coping with the knowledge that my son had been diagnosed with a most aggressive lymphoma.

 

During my first Tai Chi for Enlighteners lesson I gave myself over to learning. I didn't realize at that time I was making a lifetime commitment. I do remember working hard during the lesson and paying attention to following Stephanie's instructions. Oh, those first few movements, who could even begin to think about anything else but those moves.

 

Later I tried to practice those first few moves and I could not get past the first one! When I look back, it seems to me I could at least have remembered the next two. But no, not yet, maybe the brain needed to make new connections.

 

Now, when I start to learn new movements, I know it will take me time and practice to remember them and do them with ease, but it will happen.

 

So, what I'm trying to say is that the practice of Tai Chi for Enlighteners relieves my brain of what's bothering me and transports me to another space. When I watch my body move, it seems as though the brain takes me to a more secure and calm place.

 

Tai chi also offers the advantage of being able to practice anywhere, even on vacation. I can visualize the movements if I have insomnia; most times it relaxes me so I can sleep. Also, as we age our balance gets questionable and I've discovered that if I become unbalanced and start to fall I can correct my stance a lot quicker than before. I cannot imagine myself not doing my practice for the rest of my life.

 

Roger Price

I have used Tai Chi for Enlighteners for just a short time but it has already proven to be very helpful to me. I received the manual and DVD just before my father-in-law was hospitalized in another state with a very serious illness. Upon returning home and starting to use Stephanie's Tai Chi for Enlighteners I found it helped me to calm down after several very stressful weeks. I am already making better decisions about various aspects of my life. Do read the manual first before starting the DVDs as Stephanie suggests. I have already been to the enlighteners.com website and I have it in my bookmarks.

Stephanie thanks for developing and sharing your wonderful approach to tai chi. It will be of great help to me as I continue through the course that you have so carefully and skillfully prepared.

 

 

 

Dani Roach, (Artist)

Tai chi is a wonderful gift I give myself. After a long search for an experience that filled my personal needs to stay grounded and maintain balance in body and mind, I found Stephanie’s Tai Chi for Enlighteners and the special Wu Style.
 
I had taken other tai chi classes but discovered the Wu form actually teaches in a step-by-step method that is beautiful but most important creates clarity of where, why and how the body should move.
 
I broke my ankle and found tai chi was an adjunct to my physical therapy, and helped me build strength in that ankle and also healed my spirit.
 
Stephanie’s unique form of teaching and her special energy all make Tai Chi for Enlighteners a very positive experience. No matter what my mind or body needs, Stephanie’s tai chi fulfills it.

 

 

Stanley Searles (Master plumber)

Stephanie is consistently upbeat and encouraging. After each Tai Chi for Enlighteners class I feel uplifted and happy to continue my day.

 

 

Gail Harter, age 72 (Retired science teacher, joyous grandmother)

I originally began tai chi lessons to improve my balance and was additionally rewarded with the spiritually calming aspect of this gentle exercise. Stephanie is encouraging, patient, and explains how the movements help keep body joints flexible and increase blood flow. There definitely is a reason why this absorbing form of exercise has lasted many hundreds of years. Consider this, you can also do tai chi anywhere, anytime and no equipment is required! I am grateful to have discovered tai chi.

 

 

Lucie Alexander, age 60 (Retired professor of early childhood development; early childhood education)

Tai chi gives me a time to concentrate on my physical presence in space; concentrate on the movements, breathing, and Stephanie's voice. The learning process is relaxing.

 

After 4 months of classes, I'm a bit lighter on my feet and have lost 10 pounds.

Stephanie is an intuitive, perceptive, always encouraging teacher, plus she is fun; great combination!