“Like water dripping on stone” was Grandmaster Eng Chor‘s description of the benefits of Tai Chi at the Philosophy Master Class in May 2025. That metaphor transported me to the Grand Canyon...standing on the rim, looking at a jaw-dropping landscape crafted by water dripping on rocks over aeons, overwhelmed by a roller coaster of emotions.
I have truly experienced the benefits of Tai Chi. A few years after starting Tai Chi, I was joyously surprised one day when I bent down on straight knees and my fingers met my toes for the first time! Yes, it took a few years of limbering up ... and yes, I could not touch my toes before that life changing day. It was worth celebrating!
I am more stable when walking, standing on one leg, standing on one leg for longer, and transitioning from one posture to another. My overall flexibility has improved. A few years ago, I was walking down a dirt track, happily chatting with friends when my foot started to slide on the gritty slope. In a graceful move, I quickly and easily recovered my footing and stopped myself from falling flat on my face. I attribute this feat to the years of Tai Chi practice. Besides the improvement in physical fitness and agility, Tai Chi enables me to let go of tension, focus on the present and cultivate an inner peace.
"Like water dripping on stone" is a very apt metaphor for Tai Chi. It conveys the following messages for me: - Small consistent efforts lead to significant changes over time. - Perseverance to maintain efforts over long periods and patience to wait for the benefits to flow.
I think Tai Chi is like the Grand Canyon...you cannot see it until you stand on the rim and look into the depths. I have yet to do a deep dive into the philosophies of Tai Chi and to fully comprehend their meaning. I console myself that Tai Chi is not a destination, it is a long journey. I have far to go...let the water drip, drip, drip.
Yen Thomson
Trainee Instructor, Box Hill Centre
I am enjoying my Tai Chi and the knowledge gained from Len and Yen, the kind instructors at the Box Hill centre. I am learning much about Tai Chi and my Tai Chi level is improving and my health is getting better.
Thank you! I love Tai Chi and am happy to be a student of the Celestial Tai Chi College.
Zixian Chen
Student, Box Hill Centre
Updated: 21 September 2025
