林榮峰 | Emily Lee
授人以柔
「吞天之氣，接地之力，壽人以柔。」
這是鄭曼青老師的一句話，也是我多年來一直珍藏在心中的一句話。
四十多年前，我們全家隨著先生返台任教於國立台灣大學，我也因此得到一個難得的機會，專心學習鄭子太極拳。原本需要數年完成的課程，我盡最大的努力，把握每一天學習。回到美國後，我沒有停止，而是將太極拳融入生活，數十年來幾乎天天練習。
如今，我已年過八旬，仍然每星期抽出一個小時，在老人中心義務教授鄭子太極拳。每次看到學員從動作僵硬，到慢慢站得更穩、身體更放鬆、臉上露出笑容，我便深深體會，太極拳帶給人的，不只是運動，更是一份平靜與希望。
教拳的時候，我常提醒自己，我教的不只是招式，而是身心的平衡。太極拳講求柔和，不是軟弱；講求慢，不是懶散，而是在一呼一吸之間，學會與自己和平相處。
我並沒有期待學生都成為高手，只希望他們因為太極拳而活得更健康、更快樂，也更有信心面對每一天。
這些年，我開始學畫、針織，也開始寫作。我發現，畫畫、針織、寫作和太極拳，其實有相同的精神——都需要耐心，都需要安靜，也都需要一顆願意付出的心。
我相信，人生最珍貴的，不是自己擁有多少，而是願意分享多少。能夠把自己一生所學，毫無保留地傳遞給別人，就是最大的喜樂。
今天，我仍然每天練太極，也仍然期待每星期與學員相聚。看著他們一步一步地進步，我心中充滿感恩。願這份「授人以柔」的精神，繼續傳遞下去，讓更多人在柔和之中找到力量，在平靜之中獲得健康，在分享之中體會生命真正的價值。
我所教的每一堂課、所畫的每一幅畫、所織的毛衣、所寫的每一篇文章，都是我對神豐盛恩典的一點點感恩獻上。
<2026-07-07>
Teaching Through Gentleness
“Draw in the breath of Heaven, root yourself in the strength of the Earth, and cultivate longevity through gentleness”.
These words from Grandmaster Cheng Man-Ching have remained in my heart for many years.
More than forty years ago, my husband returned to Taiwan teaching at National Taiwan University and our family accompanied him. During that special season of life, I was blessed with the opportunity to study Cheng Style Tai Chi. I devoted myself wholeheartedly to learning, making the most of every day. After returning to the United States, I never stopped practicing. Tai Chi gradually became part of my daily life, and for decades I have practiced it almost every day.
Today, in my eighties, I continue to teach Cheng Style Tai Chi for one hour each week at a senior center as a volunteer. Whenever I see my students become steadier on their feet, more relaxed in their movements, and happier in their hearts, I am reminded that Tai Chi is much more than physical exercise. It brings balance, peace, confidence, and hope.
When I teach, I remind myself that I am not simply demonstrating movements. I am sharing a way of living. Tai Chi teaches us that true strength is expressed through gentleness, that slowing down is not weakness, and that every breath offers an opportunity to find harmony within ourselves.
I do not expect my students to become masters. My greatest wish is simply that they become healthier, happier, and more confident as they grow older.
Later in life, I also discovered the joy of painting, knitting, and writing. Over time, I realized that Tai Chi, knitting, art, and writing all share the same spirit. They require patience, quietness, perseverance, and a heart that is willing to give.
I have come to believe that the greatest treasure in life is not how much we possess, but how much we are willing to share. To pass on what we have learned with love and without expecting anything in return is one of life’s deepest blessings.
I still practice Tai Chi every day, and I always look forward to meeting my students each week. Watching them improve little by little fills my heart with gratitude.
My prayer is that this spirit of “teaching through gentleness” will continue to be passed from one generation to the next, so that more people may discover strength through gentleness, peace through balance, and joy through serving others.
Above all, I thank God for allowing me to walk this path. Every lesson I teach, every sweater I made, every painting I create, and every story I write is my humble offering of gratitude for His abundant grace.
<2026-07-07>