Can compassion be moved? In this episode of Compassion in a T-Shirt, I sit down with Adam Lacey — a Counselling Psychologist and accredited T’ai Chi Chih teacher from Oxfordshire, UK — to explore a truly embodied path to compassion.
T’ai Chi Chih is a gentle, mindful movement practice designed to cultivate Chi (intrinsic energy) and nurture wellbeing. But more than that, as Adam beautifully explains, it can awaken compassion — not only within ourselves, but in our communities.
From its origins with founder Justin Stone to its profound impact on refugees, children, older adults, and people in recovery, Adam shares how this non-martial, moving meditation offers healing through presence, connection, and flow.
💫 Whether you're curious about Chi, interested in body-based compassion practices, or just looking for a moment of peace — this conversation might just move you too.
TIMESTAMPS:
00:00 – Welcome to Compassion in a T-Shirt
00:16 – Meet Adam Lacey: Counselling Psychologist & T’ai Chi Chih Teacher
00:59 – What is T’ai Chi Chih?
03:07 – The Origins: Who was Justin Stone?
05:07 – Chi (Qi): Understanding Intrinsic Energy
08:14 – What Happens in a T’ai Chi Chih Session?
15:48 – How Compassion Comes to Life in TCC
22:17 – Adam’s Personal Journey with the Practice
24:00 – Teaching TCC in Refugee, School, & Recovery Settings
29:30 – T’ai Chi Chih’s Relevance in a Post-Pandemic World
35:50 – Hopes for the Future: Research & Outreach
38:14 – Final Reflections
🌿 Subscribe for more conversations on compassion, healing, and the human spirit.
👇 Let us know in the comments: Have you ever experienced compassion through movement?
LINKS:
The health benefits of tai chi
https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/the-health-benefits-of-tai-chi
T’ai Chi Chih website
T’ai Chi Chih find a practitioner
https://taichichih.org/search-tai-chi-chih-teacher/?geodir_search=1&stype=gd_place&s
Complete silent seated T'ai Chi Chih Practice
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZLuuKmW4qwI
A complete silent standing practice
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2RkFWbO1KOk
The Harvard Medical School Guide To Tai Chi
The Science of Tai Chi and Qigong and Whole Person Health Part I: Rationale and State of the Science
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40091656/
The Science of Tai Chi and Qigong and Whole Person Health Part I: Rationale and State of the Science
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40091656/
If you would like to learn more about compassion focused therapy, you can find Dr Stan Steindl's book The Gifts of Compassion here: https://amzn.to/4knPv7h
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