In the pursuit of my studies in holistic health and self-healing, I became interested in learning and understanding the ancient practice of Qigong. This interest brought me to the Eastern Internal Arts Institute and the instruction of Sifu Jenny Lamb.

Through Sifu Lamb's guidance I have found a self-awareness and focus that has greatly affected my life; both in terms of physical health and spiritual understanding.

In the few months I have been under the guidance of Sifu Lamb, I have seen direct results in my life. I have a better understanding of how disease and illness enter into my life and how, through the discipline of Qigong, I can balance my self and my Qi to maintain and support my well being and peace of mind. Under Sifu Lamb's instruction in meditation I am able to focus and balance the body/mind to achieve personal wholeness. Her instruction has become a necessary part of my life.

My wife and I have been taking Tai Chi and Qigong lessons since April of this year. When we began we were both in lousy health. In March Patti had brain surgery. I was still trying to deal with 13 years of chronic pain from an accident in 1984.

Patti's surgery left her deaf in her right ear along with severe balance problems. One doctor indicated that Tai Chi might help improve her balance. Anything is worth a try and we both began lessons at the Eastern Internal Arts Institute under the direction of Sifu Jenny Lamb.

I had no great hopes or expectations for pain relief because I felt I had tried everything available. I had been hospitalized four times, had three lumbar discs removed,, three or four broken vertebra, two herneated discs in my cervical vertebra, knee surgery, and a broken ankle. I followed all the prescribed physical therapy, took medication on schedule — all to no avail. I had also tried several alternative therapies, some offered marginal pain relief, but it was short lived. Since I have never had the patience to do anything in slow increments I jumped in and began taking Tai Chi three days a week, Qigong two days a week along with a meditation session every Saturday morning. After a month of practice my pain began to subside. I am even reluctant to call it mine now. It was probably a combination of those disciplines that produced such results, however; while performing adjustment Qigong I could feel the pain melt away. My spine seemed to realign and become straighter.

Five months into practice I am virtually pain free for the first time in thirteen years and I have a much better disposition (depending upon whom you ask!). I still don't have fluid motion, my movement is more akin to the Tin-Man, but I am firmly committed to the practice of these Eastern Internal Arts.

Patti, too, is making great progress. Her balance has improved tremendously and recently she earned her yellow belt. I am not sure I have ever seen her so proud of an accomplishment I am very proud of her as well.

Patti and I owe a great deal of thanks to Sifu Jenny for her patience, understanding and compassion. I felt sure she would drop me as a student on my first day of Tai Chi when I spent the entire class on her floor with a back spasm.

Thank you for keeping us, Sifu Jenny, thanks for everything

Since I have never had the patience to do anything in Tai Chi; why did I not know sooner? I had deliberated for three years and finally committed to classes. My first impressions were glowing. Gathering Qi from Heaven. Sifu's explanation of pulling good into the circle of one's arms and pushing negative energy out of one's body was thought provoking. I likened it to collecting all the bright colors in an opal and raining them down over me from a watering can. The six basic movements each had a purpose and visual association, each step was to flow into the next. Push and move against the invisible resistance of the Qi all around you. Move through, but with the Qi. My favorite word, suddenly, was practice! I notice the difference when I don't; I feel as though I am running without moving at all. Why didn't I know sooner? Because it was not time. It is time now, and I still see those colors raining over me.

My attempts at mindful living have been enhanced since taking Tai Chi and Qigong which I began in December 1996. My newly discovered ability to be still has enabled me to interact more fully with wild deer and turtles in the woods and hummingbirds on my deck. By being very quiet I have seen hummingbirds mate and now watch their adolescents play rough and tumble. In addition to stillness, my balance has improved allowing me to stand on one leg in the parking lot of Staples balancing my purchases while digging in my purse for my keys. I was in that position for several minutes before I became aware of it (so much for mindfulness!). I was pleased that my stability permitted me to maintain the position rather than stumble about as I would have in the past.

I am delighting in the actual practice of Tai Chi and Qigong and I am happy to find it infusing my everyday life with new skills and mindfulness.

The personal computer originated two decades ago in Silicon Valley, California - my home. I am a consultant who is now living and working in Virginia, and as such, I have had the opportunity to visit many interesting places. The state of Virginia is rich in both history and physical beauty, but even in this wonderful environment I was looking for more. Sifu Lamb's Eastern Internal Arts Institute was the answer!

My computer, as a symbol of the inter-relationship between man and information, offers me the modern equivalent of Yin and Yang. Nonetheless, spending my working days using a PC I have noticed that it falls somewhat short in developing balance, gracefulness, strength, and calmness.

Yes, I know this bravado may be somewhat premature, because I have only attended four Tai Chi sessions and my ability does not quite match my enthusiasm; however, with patience, practice and training I may know that I have found the answer. Consulting with the mental awareness of Tai Chi and my trusty laptop should go a long way in making my life on the road a more satisfying experience.

From an English perspective I was captivated by Sifu Jenny's demonstration. I wondered if I would be able to emulate the grace and balance of her performance. I took up the challenge being offered, but little did I realize the depth and complexity of this opportunity which would penetrate deep into the bottom of my psyche.

How had I learned things in the past? When I started Tai Chi and Qigong lessons visualisation was alien to me and is still difficult. My concentration was weak; my mind was flittering and rushing from thought to thought, but is now becoming calmer. I clung onto thoughts and worried about them. Now, with attachment and identifying skills I try to notice them and return to the work at hand. Attention. was absolutely fleeting, but I am beginning to appreciate the necessity of paying attention to the details of a movement.

These terms are familiar to all of Sifu Jenny's students and these concepts are worked on daily through practice. Learning knowledge of mind and body from Sifu Jenny is definitely challenging. There are times when the goal of mastering the next step seems a long way off, but the next coloured belt is always there to encourage me!

return to top

Last updated on June 3, 2005
By gorDelpus Creations
Email: gene@gordelpus.com