14.4.2016 Gay Nicholls - Teacher
It is nearly seven years since I began tai chi with Miriam. I initially took up tai chi on the advice of an orthopedic surgeon. He strongly believed that the benefits of tai chi were substantial in terms of building core strength and improving a sense of balance. When I first joined Miriam's class, I experienced all the frustration that comes with learning something new. However, I was determined to persevere and with support and guidance provided by Miriam, I soon discovered that there is so much more to tai chi than simply remembering the sequence of actions. Miriam displays great patience and understands that we all learn at different rates. She explains how particular stances help different organs in our bodies and how the health benefits of tai chi can be enhanced by taking the time to learn exactly how to move in order to allow the "chi" to flow throughout our body. Miriam is to be commended for her positive teaching style. She encourages and affirms, telling her students what they are doing well and how they can improve. Miriam willingly demonstrates a particular sequence of moves many times over so that we can learn by seeing. She then observes us "having a go" and moves around the group, correcting our technique and helping each person with whatever they need to work on. I continue to attend weekly tai chi classes as I really love the soft, flowing movements that emphasise gentleness and energy. For me, tai chi is a form of meditation that strengthens the body and brings peace to the mind.
4.11.2015 Susan McLaughlin, administrator at Livingston Community Centre, Ivanhoe
Miriam has been a part of LCC tutor team for over six years and throughout this time, I have known her to be an exceptionally honest, reliable, trustworthy and caring person.
Her commitment to LCC and those in her care has been outstanding. She has excellent communication and relationship building skills and I have no hesitation in recommending her to provide the various services she offers.
I am Confident that any service she provides will be professional, confidential and executed to a high standard. If you would like further information, please contact me on 94792014.
10.11.2015 Neil Henderson - pensioner of Sth Morang
Since suffering a spinal cord injury, I was referred by my physio therapist as part of my rehabilitation to program to commence the practice of tai chi. I joined Miriam’s classes and became an active participant since May 2013. Miriam has been very supportive and I have found the benefits acquired have helped my core strength and have assisted in maintaining balance. Miriam’s classes are well prepared. She works well with a group and individuals within her group. Miriamhas developed an excellent rapport with each of us as individuals in order to develop an understanding of each of our restrictions and issues. The classes are paced and appropriately designed for the group or individuals. I would have no hesitation in recommending her and her ability as a teacher with the adult learning environment.
4.11.2015 Lesley Eckersall – retiree of Eltham
Dear Miriam. I really enjoyed the classes last year and thank you very much for taking a very friendly, challenging class.
February 2016 Janette Allison - Eltham North.
I have been training in tai chi Cheng Ming style with Miriam since 2007. Her class is held in a relaxed, friendly atmosphere in the company of delightful people. This style of tai chi is slightly more challenging than the more well known styles but with practice, becomes easier. The form consists of many movements and martial art applications. Miriam takes the time to demonstrate the principles, which come in handy for the purpose of self defence. The benefits of practising tai chi are many for both mind and body. The brain is engaged in concentration and remembering the patterns. The body is gently stretched, twisted and strengthened by performing the patterns in a slow, graceful and fluid manner. Balance is enhanced along with a feeling of calmness, serenity and well being. I always enjoy my tai chi and leave feeling relaxed and rejuvenated.
2008 Merrilyn Austin - Eltham
In 2008, I had recently retired from full time teaching. To renew and improve my health and relieve from stress was first my personal commitment. My daughter was recovering from cancer and I myself had been diagnosed with M.S. Tai chi seemed a good choice as it promotes a sense of calm, well being and improved strength. The style Miriam teaches is Cheng Ming from Taiwan. This form promotes exercises for the mind and body and as the course develops, your skills and knowledge improve over time. From the very first time I began with Miriam, whose patience and understanding of individual needs has been wonderful, my balance and mobility have improved. Miriam has enabled me to much need physical strength, improved co-ordination and a positive sense of achievement. When I practise tai chi with Miriam, my mind is totally involved and other issues are forgotten. The practice of qi gong movements also provide inner calm and relaxation. I have great pleasure in testifying to the significant benefits that Miriam's classes have brought into my life.
