A TCC Interview by Sheila Leonard, St. John’s, NL Canada

Teaching TCC

Why do you teach TCC? What personal, spiritual, political or other reasons compel you?

In 1989 out of the blue a barrage of environmental and autoimmune factors turned my life upside down. At my rope’s end and looking for “a missing piece in my puzzle” I met Maureen, a T’ai Chi Chih teacher. It was clearly a big piece of what I was seeking. I was hooked and dreamed of teaching it so that others might experience the renewed life I had experienced … with a tool to help sustain it.

What does it mean to you to teach TCC? What do you think you’re giving to others and what do you get?

“Sometimes to keep something, you simply have to give it away.” I present TCC as a tool to help one feel better using one’s own natural resources. It has an appealing way of opening up a whole new world of energy as foundational to healing, and wholeness.

Sometimes the best way to learn something is to teach it. My teaching has indeed deepened my TCC practice and its benefits, and indeed my students have taught me so much.

What have you found to be the most effective ways (for you personally) to keep spreading the word, interesting new students, keeping current students engaged?

I advertise extensively through class flyers, community newsletters, cable stations, newspapers and church bulletins, local healthy living events to stir interest and curiosity. One couple finally came after having my flyer on their fridge for three years. The Chi’s timing, not mine. Offering more focused “Beyond Beginners” classes for returning students as well as retreat days for practice and reflection keeps students engaged.

A general brochure lists class options as well as options for special presentations with community groups/staffs, many of which happen at the initiative of members who had taken one of my classes.

Maintaining an extensive e-mail list of previous and interested students, as well as a website, all help. Often my students themselves tend to be my best advertisers, simply by word of mouth. Dabbing tenuously in Facebook.

Training the next generations of TCC teachers

Do you think moving more qualified students toward becoming TCC teachers is an important part of building the future of TCC? Why or why not? Is this a focus of your teaching? Why or why not?

Absolutely. We could then offer a much broader spectrum of classes in our area if other teachers were more readily available. We have had one accreditation here in Newfoundland with new interest sprouting. We continue to dream.

What are the best ways (that you’ve found, for you personally) to move qualified students toward teacher accreditation? 

I am always quick to invite more serious students early on to consider the possibility of teaching TCC. In sharing some of my personal story, I present TCC as an option simply for personal wellness as well as an option for would-be teachers. Other active and inactive teachers in turn share their stories and encourage others.

Access to our lending library of all of Justin’s materials, copies of The Vital Force, as well as Pam and Sandy’s DVDs, further stirs and deepen interest.

What are the barriers or stumbling blocks in trying to move qualified students toward teacher accreditation?

Life itself can deter students, with its multiple demands of time and energy. Economics, too, is increasingly an issue in these tight times.

Lacking recommended numbers here for intensives and accreditations is also a deterrent, given the expenses inherent in travel to the U.S., given our drastically low Canadian dollar these days.

Connecting with other TCC teachers

Is connecting with other TCC teachers important to you? Why or why not?

Again, absolutely. Connecting with other teachers provides mutual support, renews each others’ energies, and keeps one’s personal practice and teaching fresh and current. Always a student.

If it is, what are the main ways you connect with them? Are these effective and enough? Do you wish there were other ways?

One other teacher in my area and I connect a lot, sometimes co-teaching or sharing a presentation. Others, less so. Mutual feedback and encouragement are invaluable. Would love to have more of that but life is what it is.

When first accredited, I attended a lot of TCC events in the Jersey Shore area, which is closest to me. Conference is now my most valuable connection, with an occasional other event away. Dan, Antonia, Pam and Sandy have also graced us here in Newfoundland, Dan numerous times, along with other teachers who came to audit our Intensive. I especially cherish these local events since they bring our teachers together province-wide, a challenge with our geography.

The Vital Force also proves a wonderful way to keep connected. Browsing our official site and via e-mail are others.

Is there anything else you’d like the readers to know?

TCC is an amazing teacher and gift that deepens exponentially in direct proportion to my fidelity to my personal daily practice. It feels like one of these “set for life” lottery wins: every time I show up to practice, I buy a winning ticket.