What Does TCC Community Mean To Me?

I asked my students to write something about what our T’ai Chi Chih community means to them. Here are four responses:

From Lori Gottschalk – The phrase ‘Return to the Circle’ captures the essence of the nature of the TCC community. While I truly honor and respect the practice of TCC, it has been the experience of the community of friends practicing together that has encouraged and motivated me year after year. On my own, I can easily fall into improper habits of movement that discourage a healthy practice. I need steady renewal and refreshment of the basics, which happens in a grace-filled atmosphere in the group. This experience of gentle support invites me to ‘return to the circle.’

Within the circle of my practice community, I feel accepted and connected. The kind acceptance of the group enables me to relax and soften as I feel the sincerity and dedication of my teacher and colleagues. During our time together, I can let go of the worries of daily life as I am drawn into the warmth and calmness of our circle. I am reminded that this is a practice, which means there will always be opportunities for learning and growth. Coming together as a community dedicated to the principles of TCC, I sense that together our energy is being healed and renewed. Returning to the circle of the TCC community changes me, preparing me to embrace life outside the group with a deeper connection to myself and the world around me. I leave our time together feeling centered, ready to re-enter life grounded and hopeful. With joy and gratitude, week after week, I look forward to being embraced within the caring circle of my TCC community.

From Ray Anderson – Our TCC practice as a group creates a strong feeling of peace and connection with the ineffable presence of the Chi.

Anon – I am with a community of people who are centered, non-judgmental and compassionate. I leave the practice feeling calmed and can lead my life more thoughtfully and with more inner peace and contentment. What a blessing.

From Frank Janezich –

•Each of us is part of a group with common purpose: to learn and improve our TCC movements.

•We each help create a supportive, non-criticizing environment.

•Each time we come to the chapel where we practice, we enter a holy, sacred space.

•When we arrive at church, we leave our stress from the daily deluge of negative media at the door.

•Our teacher and this group care about me; we care about one another.

•As we practice our movements we feel the electro-magnetic field flowing through our bodies; this is Chi. We learn techniques and postures to help us notice the flow of Chi, which is energizing.

•There is a calming effect, similar to that experienced in meditation.

•The symmetry of motion in our TCC group when we practice in a circle is mesmerizing.