TCC Intensive, March 2023

From the moment we began, although assembled on Zoom, this T’ai Chi Chih (TCC) Intensive was certainly not a virtual experience. What occurred was a testimonial to the power of Chi. I was humbled; I received so much more than I gave. It was a privilege to witness the huge progression in these natal stages of so many new teachers. Plus, I learned how the magic happens behind the scenes. Participant expressions follow.

This Intensive sharpened how I flow from the tan t’ien and awakened me to a new awareness of the many benefits of TCC and how I can better express those benefits. — Barb McAnany

Emptying my cup and approaching with a beginner’s mind allowed me to refine my up-and-down TCC movements: I had been unknowingly short-changing them and now get to enjoy these moments in a new way. — Monica Motyka Ganzer

I soon noticed a sense of softness, gentleness, and clarity surrounding and grounding me. I now have a much deeper understanding of Chi and its movement through my body. — Roksan Biktimir

I especially enjoyed the breakout rooms with students helping each other. Allowing the knees to bend more fully and correcting my stance with Anchor Taffy has made a huge difference. I now know exactly what to work on. — Mari Miller

Community is everything: sharing, sincerity, gentle correcting, warmth, belonging, friendliness. These qualities have nurtured and grounded me and led to fundamental changes in my practice. — Penny Lester

After 34 years of teaching TCC, I left with a sense of renewal. It gave me space to be more mindful to detail, allowing fullness, getting all that I could out of the practices and discussions. I realized the importance of being faithful to my TCC practice and keeping it pure (but not perfect), as well as the value of occasionally re-reading Justin’s books to deepen my awareness of his writings. I trust I have a prepared teacher candidate to expand the Montana community. — Lynne Roberts, Teacher, Montana

Through exclusive attention to and focus on the soles of my feet, I discovered I had been creating a dynamic of pushing off and up during my practice, which had always been a source of knee pain. Through feedback, I had a kinesthetic sense of the tan t’ien and of letting it lift my hips up and off my knees. — Kay Davidson

TCC is a huge part of my commitment to increased quality of life. The Intensive provided a new sense of connection to my tribe. An increased body awareness is allowing me to improve my technique and the flow of Chi by moving with complete weight shifts, softness, and focus on the tan t’ien. — Charis Grossman

I received a new-found connection with the continuous expansion and contraction of the tan t’ien and the gradual giving and receiving of the weight shift, giving way to an expression of increased wrist movement. Something was unlocked; a greater and gentler flow emerged. — Janet Oussaty

I was seeking to expand my sense of community which happened in our short time together. I see the commonality in the movements, as well as variations in teaching styles and different takes on teaching. — Robyn Cook

In the past three years, my ability to practice and teach TCC has been reduced greatly. The less I participated, the smaller my world became. I realized that my reconnection with the TCC community was as crucial as (my Folsom Prison assistant) Mari’s introduction to it. I need the joy and light that flows through every TCC event. I can risk saying yes to life again. — Julie Heryet

Through the joy of T’ai Chi Chih, I have found my movement. — Jean Evans

The practice of TCC is a serious undertaking. Though it takes work, one can reach a place of “effortless effort.” I look forward to continuing the work I’ve begun with my primary teacher while seeking out additional instructors as I prepare to participate in the September 2023 Accreditation Course. — Beverly Miles

The Intensive evolved my practice, and I came out feeling like an evolved version of myself. TCC is an endless experience and am looking forward to seeing how my practice continues to evolve from here. — Nico Borneman

It was a joy working with this extraordinary group. I experienced a greater “Growth of Certainty” in trusting the Chi to connect us, regardless of the physical distance, internet glitches, and a tornado-caused power outage in Mississippi. — Pam Towne