Testimonials - In Groups & Institutions
Bernadette Kinniry, RSM,
Tai Chi at Siloam
For the past four years, Golden
Breath T'ai Chi has been offered
at SILOAM on Wednesdays, from 1:00
to 2:15PM. This provides those
infected/affected by HIV/AIDS safe
space for wholesome body/mind/spirit
exercise on behalf of wellness.
I have witnessed obvious improvement
inphysical health, attitudes of
self-worth and care, and a deepening
sense of belonging in those who
attend. Honoring the time to continue
to learn this method of being,
and applying it daily in one's
flow of the day, makes a marked
difference in the all-around wellness
of the participant. Becoming aware
of the sacredness of one's own
breath, of the vibrant dance of
that breathing as we choose to
slow down and be, is priceless
learning. I am so grateful for
the generosity, skill, care and
wisdom of Sibok and all our teachers.
They are offering a significant
gift to our world, and each who
participates is a unique flow of
that gift.
Barry Williams, Operations
Manager,Village Prep. Family
Service of Philadelphia
For the past three years that you
have volunteered your time for
teaching Tai Chi, staff and students
at Village Prep have benefited
from your teaching. Students have
learned the importance of discipline
and self-control as well as various
relaxation techniques.
During your time with our program, we have seen a decrease in aggressive incidents and assaults. Because of your presence you have opened various therapeutic doors for our staff to build ongoing positive relationships with the students. Staff have also expressed their appreciation in teaching them relaxation techniques and self defense.
Your time was invaluable and your presesence will be missed. Good luck in your future endeavors in your continued journey in healing our communities
Valerie Sowell, Project
TEACH Program Assistant
Project TEACH stands
for Treatment Education
Activists Combating HIV.
It is a community health
education, advocacy,
and activism program
designed for and by adult
men and women who are
living with HIV and AIDS.
In addition to offering
nine intensive training
courses per year, TEACH
sponsors ongoing events
and groups whose aim
is to enrich the lives
of people living with
HIV/AIDS.
One of the groups that we host is Golden Breath Tai Chi. SiBok Robert Kassof volunteers his time to provide training for this well-established program. It is open to all people who are living with or in some way deeply affected by HIV. The class started in July 1999 as an experimental three-month program with an option to renew. Because of the high demand for the class, this program has been extended for a year and a half, and the group of students is larger than ever. Dozens of Project TEACH graduates and peer educators have found the benefits of participating in the group instruction as well as the individual practice of Golden Breath Tai Chi.
The students can testify to the benefits of Golden Breath Tai Chi. Ann says, "Golden Breath Tai Chi takes the aches and pains out of my body, and it helps me with my breathing." Stephen added, "Overall, it helped my whole mental attitude. I look forward to getting up in the morning and doing it." He also added that he sleeps better when he does tai chi three times a day. Michael says, "I started to have wasting, and my total muscle mass was below the normal range. The doctor wanted me to do all this resistance exercise and start a high protein diet. I started Golden breath Tai Chi instead. Now, I've had the same muscle tests twice, and both times, I was at the high end of the normal range. So, the tai chi stopped my wasting and gave me high energy - so much energy that I'm able to work part time, which I wasn't able to do before. Also, I had problems with depression and bad self-image that have really lifted since I've been doing tai chi. These beautiful movements - that's doing it for me."