My Journey (August 2015)

My journey began in July 2012. I was researching retirement activities that would fulfill my desire to continue to evolve and positively impact others. During my search, I read a hospital magazine listing various courses and activities. T’ai Chi Chih (TCC) immediately peaked my interest. I remembered that during many California visits with my daughter I’d observed peaceful people in the park calmly and effortlessly moving slowly but deliberately through various movements. At the time, I did not know that TCC was different from what I observed. I was eager to learn more about TCC and registered for the course. I felt an immediate connection in the first class. 

Each class energized me, made me feel happy; I always looked forward to the next session. After several months of taking the class, instructor Bill Moore asked if anyone was interested in teaching TCC. At first I did not give this opportunity much thought. However the more I practiced TCC, the more I realized my growing interest. This was not an overnight realization; it took nearly two years to discover that becoming an instructor was my destiny. Dorene Krause, my other instructor, encouraged me to remove the barriers I was placing in my way.

After making the decision to prepare for the journey, I had doubts. During the countless hours of practice with instructors, workshops, commitment and focus, I questioned my decision. In November 2014 I attended a TCC intensive with facilitator, Dan Pienticak and host, Stacey Moore. This experience awakened the confidence to trust in myself and to be receptive to what TCC offers. A retreat with Antonia in January 2015 allowed me to refine my movements and open up verbally.

The teacher accreditation week in April 2015 was my most transformational experience. I looked forward to the practice sessions, but I dreaded the lectures and discussions. One might ask, “Why?” I shed many tears during the intensive and retreat, but neither had been more cleansing and rewarding than during the teacher accreditation. 

The floodgates opened on the morning of my presentation. I was more tearful than usual. My shyness was consuming my being and restricted me from experiencing all that TCC was offering me. I was the first afternoon presenter and was overcome with fear. As I stood at the podium and looked into the audience to greet everyone, what I saw and experienced was unbelievable. Everyone knew I was shy, but what I saw were caring, supportive and loving faces. I felt a sense of community and well wishes, which I have never experienced from anyone other than family. I felt safe and comfortable enough to freely share my past experiences. I realized my shyness was suffocating and a heavy burden. It was liberating, letting go. Pam Towne commented that she too witnessed a change in me, especially in my posture. This transformation has been a rebirth of sorts.

On April 25th, 2015, I earned my accreditation to become a TCC instructor. I am now proud to be affectionately called “Lotus Flower” by my daughters and renamed “Blossom” by Tony Risos, a teacher-auditor. The power of TCC is endless and I am excited to continue my journey.