Transitions: Online TCC Teacher Retreat, March 2021

“As it says in the T’ai Chi Chih (TCC) Teacher Training Manual: ‘Let the postures be without hollows, projections, or discontinuities.’ We were invited to consider this principle as it applies to our practice of TCC. Pausing, reflecting, moving, perspective shifting, letting go, refreshing…” – Mary Strom

“The collegiate definition of transition is ‘A passage from one state, stage, subject, or place to another: change.’ We were asked to think mindfully about transitions. How might there be transitions in our lives? How might there be unrecognized transitions in each movement? After slowing down I noticed so many beautiful transitions. Our wrists and hands and our feet transition from one point to another. How can I possibly take any part of a movement for granted? Each movement or new passage into a new movement is sacred and precious.” – Debbie Reed

“New for me? The transition of the palms turning around in Rocking Motion and Push Pull. The turning of the palms is not separate from the arm movement; it starts just before the weight shift and arm movement are fully forward and fully back.” – Judy Kistler-Robinson

“Focusing on transitions brought more awareness of each movement. Every nuance is a transition. Really feeling and letting go is how we grow in the TCC practice but also throughout life.” – Karin

“I cherish the balance between senior and new teachers, Sandy’s guidance, and Pam’s support. I also so admire and am inspired by the newer teachers, those accredited over the past 10 years or so. You offer delicate nuances of style through your expressions of teaching, moving, and feeling TCC. The freedom from which you ask questions and share your instructions of movements is refreshing.” – Lynne Roberts