Lise Dale
Cafe Manager
San Francisco, California
Cafe Manager
San Francisco, California
ABILITY TO HELP OTHERS
INCREASE DEVELOPED SENSE OF SPACE AND BOUNDARIES
I first began studying Tai Chi Chuan with Michael Shaman because I was concerned with regulating my energy level and emotional balance. At the time I was trying to help several friends and was finding my energy being drained - something that tends to happen to me too often. It seemed I was always giving my center away.
INCREASE DEVELOPED SENSE OF SPACE AND BOUNDARIES
Though I had been trying to resolve this tendency for years, In one brief, succinct sentence Michael was able to tell me why my actions (and the energetic motions involved) were having the opposite effect than intended.From the first class (in which we were being bears) I knew that this was exactly where I needed to be.
What surprised me most is that the fighting aspect of Tai Chi has been the most helpful to me. Michael has helped me to understand the complementary relationship between healing and self-defense - How in developing my own right to have my space and boundaries (to put myself first) my ability to help others is increased, and oddly enough, my ability to be open and accessible.
It has been extremely rewarding to learn from such an articulate and thoughtful teacher as Michael, and through it all he has been very patient about talking me through my defenses.
Unlike many (most) teachers I have encountered, Michael 's main concern is in the actual mechanics of this energy work - He doesn't just teach the form. He is concerned with the how and the why and is very generous with explaining the reasons behind it all. I feel very fortunate to be able to study with him.