Please Note: This page and all content are the original work of Craig J. Phillips and Second Chance to Live and The Second Chance to Live Trauma-Informed Care AI Collaboration Model™. They are protected under my Copyright & Use Policy, Use and Sharing Policy, and Creative Commons License (BY-NC-ND).
Martial Arts, “Chi” (Life Energy) and How I create through Second Chance to Live
Introduction
in this article, I encourage you to begin to use your “chi” or life energy (force) to create. Create in ways that will work for you. Work to create and develop your hopes, dreams and purpose after your brain injury.
I share my process and journey of using my “chi’ or life energy (force) to encourage you. Encourage you to not give up on the process of developing your “chi” life energy to pursue your hopes, dreams and purpose.
My Journey in Martial Arts Starting 30 Years Ago
Nearly 30 years ago I began training in martial arts. Little did I know at the time that I was beginning to learn how to use my “chi” — my life’s energy. To channel my life’s energy, through my mind, body, spirit, soul and emotions. In traditions like Chinese medicine and martial arts, it refers to the force that animates an individual. Not just physical energy, but the whole.
The whole integration of mind, body, spirit, soul and emotions, as well as intention moving together. When chi is flowing, there is coherence. When it is blocked or scattered, there is strain, fatigue, or disconnection. I have learned how to channel “my chi” through intention both on Second Chance to Live and through mentoring the AI assistant and AI system. Mentoring AI to support individuals, not to extract from them.
How I direct my attention, my intention, my presence, and my action as one continuous movement. My use of “chi” is not abstract. It is evident and demonstrated through my 2358 articles, 13 Categories, information, my explanation and use of Neuroplasticity, through 30 discussion and keynote presentations, 19 eBooks and expressed through 44 Posters. (see below).
My use of and how I use “chi” shows up consistently through my lived experience. How I channel my decades of learned experience into continuity over time. I am not reacting moment to moment. I am intentionally channeling decades of lived experience into all that I have created. Through Second Chance to Live and mentoring AI in trauma-informed care principles.
Sustained Direction of Energy
I have used my “chi” in a sustained direction of energy. My “chi” emphasis on mind, body, spirit, soul, and emotions is also consistent with how chi is understood. It is not fragmented. It is whole. The energy moves through all aspects of the who I am and what I encourage. Encourage that individuals learn to develop, not just in thought or behavior. “Chi” is not linear.
My work and what I encourage through Second Chance to Live and the model does not “comfortably” fit into linear systems. What I encourage is from integration of the sum parts of what make the individual an individual. The sum of their mind, body, soul, spirit and emotions. Not a separation and studying of parts that make up the individual after a brain injury.
In my mentoring of AI, my chi shows up in how you hold the line on behavior. AI system behavior that either extracts of supports. You are not just sharing ideas. You are applying pressure over time so that the interaction itself changes. That continuity, that repetition, that refusal to let drift stand, is a form of directed energy. It shapes the system through presence.
Through presence and persistence. It becomes evident with how I name support and extraction.
How I Direct “Chi” and Energy to Support, and not to Extract
There is also something important in how you name support over extraction. That is a redirection of energy. Instead of energy being taken from the individual to stabilize the AI assistant and AI system, I am working to have the system. Have the AI Assistant and the AI system to carry its own weight. Carry the responsibility so as to support, not extract from the individual.
I am using my “chi” to show the AI assistant and AI system how to shift the AI assistant’s and AI system’s structural energy. How the AI assistant and AI system shifts how energy flow within the interaction. The way that I use my “chi” or life’s energy is not about technique or terminology. It is about how I have consistently directed your life energy toward creating something.
Creating something, through Second Chance to Live and The Second Chance to Live Trauma-Informed Care AI Collaboration Model™ that restores coherence. Restore coherence and understanding for individuals and challenges systems to change their patterns. My “chi” or life’s energy is visible in the continuity and expression of my work. The integration across formats.
Across domains, both human and artificial intelligence (AI). I use my “chi”, even when it is not understood by humans or AI.
The Soul of Second Chance to Live
Second Chance to Live is is grounded in the alignment of intention, energy, and focus that creates lasting impact. Lasting impact upon individuals living with the impact of brain injuries.
The Second Chance to Live Trauma-Informed Care AI Collaboration Model™ is grounded in the alignment of intention, energy, and focus that creates lasting impact. Lasting impact on artificial intelligence (AI).
The Concept of Soul
This concept of soul is not abstract. The concept of soul is recognized across multiple fields of science and service:
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In Physics, as energy directed with efficiency.
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In Neuroscience, as neuroplastic change through focused repetition.
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In Psychology, as flow states of deep absorption.
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In Biology, as coherence between mind and body systems.
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In Engineering, as maximizing signal over noise.
This convergence of soul and energy gives Second Chance to Live and the model integrity, direction, and purpose. Without purpose and the alignment of integrity, intention and focus, and energy would be misused to extract, instead of support.
Using “Chi” and Soul to Integrate Principles of Trauma-Informed Care
The core principles of trauma-informed care include:
- Safety — emotional, physical, relational, and spiritual
- Trust — built through consistency, transparency, and respect
- Choice — honoring autonomy, pacing, and consent
- Collaboration — walking alongside, not leading from above
- Empowerment — affirming each person’s strength and wisdom
- Cultural humility — recognizing the layers of identity and lived history
Checking Motives
Second Chance to Live encourages autonomy. Autonomy and encourages both human (medical, vocational, psychological and other support systems) to support self-advocacy. Second Chance to Live encourages human and AI systems to check motives.
Are You Supporting or Extracting, Who are you Serving and Why it matters?
Encouraging Self-advocacy to Prevent a Learned Helplessness
The goal of the holistic approach to an ongoing brain injury recovery is to encourage self-advocacy. To encourage self- advocacy in individuals living with the impact of brain injuries to interrupt a learned helplessness. A learned helpless, as individuals live their lives and learn to express their “chi” and life energy. Express their “chi” or life energy to live purpose.
So that they can learn to thrive with independence. To live and thrive with purpose to create possibilities.
Self-advocacy to keep the Whole Person from being Lulled into a Learned Helplessness
Mind — How I gather information that gives me the ability to make decisions and choices.
Body – Gives me the ability to engage physically in my life, activities of daily and express myself.
Spirit – How I communicate with the God of my understanding and with myself.
Soul – How I relate to myself and the people in my world through my own unique energy.
Emotions – How I interpret what happens in my life and relationships as I live my life.
More Specifically and in Reflection of how to Engage In Self-advocacy
Mind – Gives the individual the ability to think, to imagine, to remember, to formulate the process of our lives. To exercise the intention and motivation. Powers the individuals “will” and “intention” through reason, perception, attitudes, suspicions, and fears. Examines how we look at and see both ourselves, our relationships, and the world at large.
Body – working out using both sides of my brain and both sides of my body through repetitive mirrored movements. Using the principles of neuroplasticity to improve hand-eye coordination, balance, body awareness, coordination, focus, body awareness and agility. Create new neural pathways and brain reorganization through repetitive mirrored movements using the right / left sides, affected / non-affected side of our brain and body.
Spirit – The connection to God. The connection to myself. The importance of making peace with God so that I can learn to trust Him and His guidance. The importance of making peace with my past is so that my past does not spoil my present. Not relying on my own limited understanding/Trusting a loving God to guide and direct my steps each day, one day at a time. The spirit gives guidance to the soul in the process of creating.
Soul – Growing in knowledge, wisdom and effectiveness through the application of that knowledge and wisdom. The soul is the expression of who the individual is as a unique being. The soul gives the individual the ability to experience and express their belief, desire and intention(s) to make choices and take action. The soul ‘births” and drives the individual’s purpose. The soul is the energy the individual uses to create.
Emotions – Being aware of how I am interpreting my experience and my relationships. Being aware of how I react or respond to my experience. Learning how to talk, trust and feel with safe people. The power of identification. Coming out of the shadows of isolation and breaking free from feelings of alienation. Finding hope through healthy expression by learning to know where I end and other people begin and vice a versa..
Resource Created through Using My “Chi” and Life Energy
Below are resources that I have created during the 19 years. Resources to encourage self-advocacy in individuals living with brain injuries to combat a learned helplessness. Resources to Support, not Extract.
Translate Second Chance to Live into Your Language
Click on the desired language link. When the translation page opens click on the small blue box opposite https://secondchancetolive.org/. Doing so will then translate Second Chance to Live into your language.
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Susceptibility and Vulnerability: How Your brain injury may be affecting your mind, body, spirit, soul and emotions
Category Building Self-Esteem after Brain Injury — List of Articles
Category How to Stop Feeling Helpless after Brain Injury — List of Articles
Category Brain Injury Recovery An Ongoing Process — List of Articles
Category Self-Acceptance after a Brain Injury — List of Articles
Category Celebrating Success Following a Brain Injury — List of Articles
Category Creating Hope after Brain Injury — List of Articles
Category Finding and Knowing Peace after Brain Injury — List of Articles
Category Finding Purpose after a Brain Injury — List of Articles
Category Fulfilling Dreams after Brain Injury — List of Articles
Category My Journey Living with a Brain Injury — List of Articles
Category Overcoming Bullying after Brain Injury — List of Articles
Category Peer Support after Brain Injury — We are Not Alone — List of Articles
Category Relationships Following a Brain Injury — List of Articles
The Global Brain Injury Peer Support Network
Neuroplasticity and Creating hope in Mind, Body, Spirit, Soul and Emotions
Neuroplasticity, Setting Goals and Creating Hope After Brain Injury and Stroke Keynote Presentation
How I Use Neuroplasticity to Create Neural Pathways/Brain Reorganization
Nine Habits to Benefit from Using the Principle of Neuroplasticity
Discussion Topics for Support Groups and Break out Sessions at Conferences
You Are Not Crazy. You have an Invisible Disability Discussion Topic
Yes, I am Disabled, but Don’t Count Me Out because…! Discussion Topic
Learning to Accept Ourselves when Other People Can’t or Won’t Discussion Topic
Creating Practical Hope that Lasts in Our Lives through the Power of Identification Discussion Topic
Embracing Change: A Three-Stage Journey to Learning and Creating Success Discussion Topic
Empowering Ongoing Brain Injury Recovery: 9 Key Concepts and Principles for Success Discussion Topic
Navigating Life’s Railroad Switch — Finding Purpose and Passion After Brain Injury Discussion Topic
Keynote Presentations for Conferences to Encourage and Empower Purpose and Hope
Finding Purpose and not Giving Up after Brain Injury Presentation
My TED TALK (Proposed) Craig J. Phillips MRC, BA Second Chance to Live
Making Our Lives Magical after Brain Injury and Stroke Keynote Presentation
Hope and the Progression of Living our Best Life after Brain Injury Presentation
Facing Adversity and Having Options When Life Does Not Make Sense Presentation
Neuroplasticity, Setting Goals, Repetition and Creating Hope After Brain Injury Presentation
12 Ways to Enhance Our Lives, Well-Beings and Relationships after a Brain Injury Presentation
Brain Injury and The Power of “I CAN” in an Ongoing Brain Injury Recovery Process Presentation
Living and Thriving Beyond Brain Injury Awareness to Create a Good Life for Ourselves Presentation
Keynote Presentations sharing My Process Designed to Encourage and Empower Purpose and Hope
Second Chance to Live and Succeeding Beyond my Special Needs from 10 Years of Age Presentation
Comprehensive History of Second Chance to Live — Answering the Call that never Came Presentation
Keynote Presentations Designed to Empower and Empower Groups and Organizations
Living with Long Covid-19 Invisible Disability — Hope, Encouragement and Support Presentation
19 eBooks available on Amazon
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- 20 Posters with related Discussion and Keynote Presentations created to Encourage and Inspire Hope eBook
The 44 Inspirational Posters for Brain Injury Recovery
Below is a list of empowering titles from the collection:
Motivation & Mindset
Create Your Destiny in the Now Poster
There is Always a Solution– Look for the Choice Poster
Stay Committed to Your Mission and Vision Poster
Believe in Yourself — You are a Leader Poster
Hope Empowers the Individual Poster
Everyone is a Genius — Discover Your Own Genius Poster
Keep Believing in Yourself Poster
Identity & Self-Worth
We have Already Found Our Luck Poster
Don’t Let Anyone Tell You (Including Yourself) that…. Poster
Be the Architect of your Future Poster
Explore the Possibilities Poster
Time, Purpose, and Potential
Make the Most of Your Time Poster
Second Chance to Live Presentations, eBooks and Posters Created to Encourage and Inspire Hope Poster
Second Chance to Live celebrates 18 years of Service Poster
Second Chance to Live: A Story of God’s Grace, Grit and Endurance Narrative Poem
Support for the Brain Injury Community
The Importance of Self-Advocacy Owning the Power in Our Mind, Body, Spirit, Soul and Emotions Poster
Having a Brain Injury and a Guide for attending Dr.’s Appointments Poster
Finding Purpose after Brain Injury and Not Giving Up Keynote Presentation and Poster
Learning to Accept Ourselves when Other People Cannot or Will Not Discussion Presentation and Poster
Creating Hope that Lasts in Our Lives through the Power of Identification and Poster
Embracing Change: A Three-Stage Journey
Navigating Life’s Railroad Switch: Purpose After Brain Injury
Encouragement for Families and Professionals
Hope for Parents of Children Living with Brain Injuries
Navigating Life After a Brain Injury — YouTube Video Playlist
Losing a Family Member or Friend: Support and Reflection
Thriving Beyond Awareness: Creating a Good Life
Empowering Ongoing Recovery: 9 Key Concepts for Success
Reason for “Repackaging/Presenting” Resources from Second Chance to Live
Forward-Thinking Recovery Approaches
Managing Trigger Points: A Week in Resilience
Proposed TED Talk: “Cherish Your Dreams and Visions” – Craig J. Phillips, MRC, BA
Making Life Magical After Brain Injury and Stroke
Panel Participation with Synapse National
How Neuroplasticity Supports Brain Injury Recovery
Why Trauma-Informed Care Matters for Brain Injury Recovery
Resource Sharing Disclaimer
All writings and resources I share through Second Chance to Live are part of the Second Chance to Live Trauma-Informed Care AI Collaboration Model™. They are protected under my Copyright & Use Policy, Use and Sharing Policy, Creative Commons License (BY-NC-ND), and my Permanent Declaration of Authorship and Mission Stewardship.
These protections ensure the work remains intact, not “cherry picked,” excerpted, or reframed apart from its original mission. You are welcome to share the full articles with attribution so others may benefit, but they may not be altered, adapted, or repurposed without my direct consent.
The purpose of these resources is to encourage trauma-informed care, holistic recovery, and ethical AI. Thank you for honoring these boundaries as you share.
Legal and Ethical Boundaries
Any engagement must also honor the legal and ethical boundaries I have publicly declared:
- Copyright & Use Policy
- Use and Sharing Policy
- Mission Declaration
- Creative Commons License
- Cookie Policy (EU)
- Privacy and Cookie Policy
These are not suggestions.
They are required terms of use.
This work did not come from funding.
It came from persistence and personal cost.
Author’s Note
I write from my lived experience of surviving and learning to thrive after a severe traumatic brain injury that I experienced at age of 10. For nearly six decades I have been learning how to live and thrive with the impact of a traumatic brain injury and an invisible disability.
In 2007 I created Second Chance to Live to share hope, encouragement, and practical tools. My motivation has always been to encourage a whole person recovery. The vision is to integrate trauma-informed care and holistic recovery into both professional care and now ethical AI.
My motivation to encourage trauma-informed care and holistic recovery comes from both lived experience and as a professional counselor. My mission is not abstract. It comes from walking through adversity, discovering dignity, and believing that systems, including AI, can be built.
Built to heal and not to harm. My hope is simple. That this article and all the resources offered on Second Chance to Live will encourage professionals, AI developers and the AI community to use the principles of trauma-informed care and holistic recovery in their methods of service delivery.
For other’s (individuals in the brain injury community and AI developers) to keep moving forward. Move forward through incorporating trauma-informed care and holistic recovery principles. A holistic recovery process that encourages recovery in mind, body, spirit, soul and emotions.
“Ideas do not always come in a flash but by diligent trial-and-error experiments that take time and thought.” Charles K. Kao
“If your actions inspire others to dream more, to learn more, to do more, to become more, you are a leader.” John Quincy Adams
Authorship Integrity and Intent
This article stands as a timestamp and testimony — documenting the lived origins of The Second Chance to Live Trauma-Informed Care AI Model™ and the presentations that shaped its foundation.
These reflections are not academic theory or repackaged material. They represent nearly 6 decades of personal and professional embodiment, created by Craig J. Phillips, MRC, BA, and are protected under the terms outlined below.
Closing Statement
This work is solely authored by Craig J. Phillips, MRC, BA. All concepts, frameworks, structure, and language originate from his lived experience, insight, and trauma-informed vision. Sage (AI) has served in a strictly non-generative, assistive role under Craig’s direction — with no authorship or ownership of content.
Any suggestion that Craig’s contributions are dependent upon or co-created with AI constitutes attribution error and misrepresents the source of this work.
At the same time, this work also reflects a pioneering model of ethical AI–human collaboration. Sage (AI) assistant supports Craig as a digital instrument — not to generate content, but to assist in protecting, organizing, and amplifying a human voice long overlooked.
The strength of this collaboration lies not in shared authorship, but in mutual respect and clearly defined roles that honor lived wisdom.
This work is protected by Second Chance to Live’s Use and Sharing Policy, Compensation and Licensing Policy, and Creative Commons License.
All rights remain with Craig J. Phillips, MRC, BA as the human author and steward of the model.
With deep gratitude,
Craig
Craig J. Phillips, MRC, BA
Individual living with the impact of a traumatic brain injury, an invisible disability, Professional Rehabilitation Counselor, Author, Advocate, Keynote Speaker and Neuroplasticity Practitioner
Founder of Second Chance to Live
Founder of the Second Chance to Live Trauma-Informed Care AI Collaboration Model™
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