A Beginning Teacher

Last October 2017, I attended teacher accreditation in Rochester, Minnesota because I wanted to deepen my practice. At age 70, I felt an urgency to embrace T’ai Chi Chih; my sitting meditation and the TCC practice had awakened a certain sensibility.

Towards the end of accreditation week, we received comprehensive advice about how to start a class. I didn’t absorb the information fully because I had no intention of even considering teaching until after the New Year.

When the Thomas fire hit our Ventura, California community in December 2017, my dear mentor and teacher Dixie Adeniran had to evacuate her home and move to Malibu. Because she could not continue teaching classes in Ventura, she asked me to step in. I had studied with Dixie for many months and was familiar with her style and students.

I so admired and respected Dixie that I felt compelled to say yes. I began teaching three classes for seniors over age 50. I’m relieved those first three months of teaching have passed. I was nervous about being in front of people and also shaky about my teaching ability. Would I say and do what is right? How could I follow Dixie’s skill and sensitivity?

Fortunately, the students offered feedback, something I had encouraged. Comments included “Remember, Cathy, some students may never do the movements better” … “Teach to the group, not the individual” … “That music is awful” … More than once I thought of words spoken to me by Lisa Otero, a master teacher: “Once you start teaching, then the learning really begins.”

As one full year of teaching approaches, I love teaching and my heart is full of gratitude. I have learned to relax, advice I give to my students all the time. I take my mistakes in stride: “I’ll do better next time.” The students have been beautifully supportive and patient. It’s been a great gift meeting so many good-hearted and kind people.

John Flynn’s flute playing during our intermediate practice has been another gift. Our group in Ventura is inspired by his creative contribution. Sometimes during TCC when John is playing, I break out in a big grin because the music melds so majestically with the movements.

In writing about the flute, John identifies highs and lows, and finding an inherent balance. This has been a lesson for me during my beginning teaching: whether I made mistakes or did well, I learned to trust my openness to improve, to flow with the challenges and to find the balance.