By Cecelia Correa (ATCQA-certified Tai Chi Associate Instructor)
Thanksgiving is a time to reflect on what we’re grateful for, especially the people and experiences that shape our lives.
My mother and sister practiced Tai Chi many years before I had the chance. I was busy running a small commercial cabinet shop in Kansas City, KS, but something my mother always said stayed with me: “When an opportunity arises that you can learn something, learn it, for you might need the knowledge in the future.”
Eventually, the chance came, and I stepped into my first Tai Chi class. That moment marked the beginning of a journey I never imagined—one that would lead me to teaching and building a community around something I love.
From Student to Teacher, Creating a Tai Chi Community
My Tai Chi journey began with a class 30 minutes from home, simply because that was the nearest one available. About six months later, my local library started offering a Yang-style Tai Chi class. I had been practicing Chen, but I took both for a while. When the Chen class later moved to a different time and place, I stayed with the Yang group.
Over the next five years, our group became more than just classmates—we became friends. Then one day, our teacher, Dr. Anna Wong, who was raised in China, told us she was moving to New York in just a couple of weeks. The class would be gone. Everyone started talking, wondering what to do next.
“One thing led to another,” and the group decided that I had the most Tai Chi experience. Maybe I could help keep things going. Conversations with the library director, Jack, and Justine from Parks and Recreation showed me there was a real need and interest in adult programs—Tai Chi included. Looking back, I’m so grateful for their encouragement and trust in me.
(Cecelia Correa leading a Tai Chi class in her community)
Stories I’m Thankful For
Tai Chi is for everyone, at their own pace. I always tell students it’s their Tai Chi, and that many movements come from everyday life. I guide each person based on ability, and I always try to make class enjoyable with a little fun mixed in.
Over the years, I’ve seen many people benefit:
- One woman with anxiety says Tai Chi helps her feel calmer and enjoy life more.
- Someone with arthritis tells me things are easier now and she feels better.
- A man with neuropathy comes with his wife; she sees the improvement in him.
One moment that stands out fills me with gratitude. I was leading an Ai Chi class at the city pool when a woman asked if her mother could participate. After a few questions and a quick talk with the pool manager, we agreed.
She brought her mother in, in a wheelchair. We placed her on a chair in the water. Her daughter stood on one side, and one of my students, a retired nurse—stood on the other. I guided her through Tai Chi movements adapted for her ability.
After class, her daughter said:
“Thank you, I haven’t seen my mother’s eyes sparkle like this in a long time. My sister in New York—she’s the one that contacted your Parks and rec—she’s going to be so happy. Mom really needed the fun outing.”
Moments like that remind me how powerful movement, kindness, and community support can be.
Putting My Business Skills to Work for Tai Chi
My business background has helped me more than I ever imagined. As my husband says:
“Early to bed, early to rise, work like hell and diversify.”
Over the years, I also served as a commissioner in my community for 13 years and volunteered with professional businesswomen in various charitable organizations, including a program that provided scholarships for children. Experiences like that taught me how to work with many different personalities, stay organized, and communicate clearly—all skills that help when guiding a Tai Chi class.
You have to meet people where they are, and often, you learn from them as much as they learn from you. One morning in a train station in New Mexico, I was doing my Tai Chi stretches when a woman watched me closely. I smiled and said, “It’s Tai Chi.” She said, “Oh, I tried that once!” She joined me, and after we finished, her face lit up. She said, “That was great. When I get home to California, I’m going to find a Tai Chi class.”
Moments like that make me thankful for the chance to share Tai Chi beyond my own community.
(Cecelia Correa leading a Tai Chi class in her community)
Sharing Tai Chi with a Seated Yoga Group
When I figured out how to get certified, my mentor Elizabeth, who teaches chair yoga and has taught college classes for years, suggested I lead her group in a Tai Chi session.
Everyone was receptive. I adapted the movements for the chair and guided them through. At the end, they clapped and said they enjoyed it. Some later joined my regular Tai Chi class.
This is the nature of my community, supportive and encouraging. Without that, I wouldn’t be teaching Tai Chi today, and that is something I’m especially thankful for this season.
Learning From Global Teachers and Researchers
I was invited to monthly Zoom discussions on the science and health benefits of Tai Chi, organized by Bill Douglas (founder of World Tai Chi & Qigong Day) and CJ Rhodes. Each month, experts shared studies and stories.
A few that touched me:
- A study from India on children with severe autism. One mother shared that after her child practiced Tai Chi, he fed himself and used the bathroom on his own for the first time in his 12 years.
- College students who practiced 20 minutes of Tai Chi before a test saw their scores improve.
- Schools in the UK and New York where Tai Chi helped reduce violence, increased camaraderie, and improved learning.
- A session on color spectrum and healing sound movements, something I had never heard of before.
It reminded me how much there is to learn, and how grateful I am to keep learning and sharing.
A Thanksgiving Message
This Thanksgiving, I’m grateful to every teacher, every student, and every member of my community who has been part of this journey. Tai Chi has given me so much, and I’m thankful to be able to give back.
