Benefits from Being a TCC Teacher

I believe in teaching whatever I do well, and I believe that I do well whatever I teach. When it comes to T’ai Chi Chih (TCC) there is also the lesson of humility, since I occasionally take a step that is incommensurate with my trifling height and completing the movement loses its gracefulness.

Teaching mathematics is my main career and teaching TCC is my secondary career. Between the two there is magnificent interplay. One rushes in the adrenaline, the other returns it from whence it came. The question is not so much how life has been since becoming a TCC teacher, rather, how on earth was it possible before.

In a year of two heartbreaking losses, two days in a row, my TCC community was the angel that held my hand and led me forward. A reminder that one step at a time, one breath at a time, the intolerable is tolerated. The highlight of teaching TCC is having students who make it a lifetime routine. It speaks volumes without uttering a word. And it is thus that I express gratitude to Justin Stone. — Elizabeth Ebrahimzadeh

I have noticed an increased patience with my students. Over the years, I have developed a deeper understanding of myself and have learned to trust my intuition. I have better coping skills and awareness of others and my surroundings. I present myself with gracefulness and radiating joy. It has helped me see the world in a new light. 

When practicing with my students, I present calmness and attention to each individual. We have bonded through the practice and discovering the joys of TCC. We discuss topics pertaining to our practice and our lives comfortably and honestly. We explore mindfulness, aging, Chi flow, letting go, hurriedness, and feeling overwhelmed. We always leave class lighter and fulfilled. I have tried to guide them on how the peace and Chi energy from the practice can be carried beyond class to encounters outside of class. TCC has become a great coping mechanism, its value immeasurable. — Gail Nieto

Teaching TCC greatly enhances my own practice; to teach TCC is to learn TCC.
I receive great satisfaction gifting this practice to my community.
I enjoy seeing the students’ joy and their desire to keep improving their movements.
I benefit from greater community with other teachers.
Offering classes keeps me refining my practice and teaching. I become more flexible, teaching students with different abilities and limitations. — Steve Geer

One important benefit is being in a community of like-minded and supportive teachers. Since I learned TCC from videos and Justin’s Photo Text, getting tips from other teachers in person and online has been incredibly helpful. It’s a delight to practice with local teachers on a weekly basis, sharing the Chi spirit and the joy of movements together. — Judy Kistler-Robinson

We come together to practice TCC, rain or shine, within the park’s bandstand. My students arrive with the joys and burdens of their lives (anxious, depressed, happy, grieving, content) to be one in the practice. From teaching, I receive the gift of human connection which leads me to feeling optimistic, peaceful, and loved. — Shirley Cross

At the start of a beginner’s class, I give a brief talk on the benefits of practicing TCC, including an increase in body awareness. Since learning TCC about 10 years ago, I’ve noticed a profound improvement in understanding how my thoughts, feelings, and physical body are interrelated. This sense of being an integrated person continues to deepen with TCC. It is my wish that students experience this. — Cathleen Burton

Teaching has brought some of TCC’s best gifts:

• The joys of sharing this life-changing moving meditation practice and its benefits with the larger world

• The joys of building community with like-minded people to practice with

• The motivation to go deeper — to learn, listen, feel, see, encourage — for my students and myself

• Learning to be a better teacher and practitioner of TCC by observing and working with my students — Dixie Adeniran

• I love watching beginner students “bloom” as they develop more ease and become more aware of TCC’s beautiful qualities as they grow in the practice.
• It is so rewarding to see each student’s joy and dedication each time they come to class.
• Being a teacher helps me be more mindful of how I move.
• I am encouraged to practice regularly so my own form and teaching skills are continually developing for myself and my students.
• I find so much joy in sharing this enriching movement practice.
• I am passionate about offering TCC to anyone wishing to heal themselves and our world. — Linda K. Robinson

TCC has become one of the most important aspects of my life. Serving as a model for my students gives me the extra nudge to maintain a regular daily practice and participate in continuing education classes. I am grateful for the opportunity to stay engaged with the community and make ongoing refinements to deepen my own practice. Teaching TCC fills me with gratitude and brings joy as I witness my students grow in their own personal practice. It inspires me to do my best in every aspect of my life. — Michelle Crow

Teaching TCC holds the gift of grounding and deepening, for myself and for my students. It brings us back to that wonderful state of just being while moving together. Each class unfolds many heart smiles. — Sharron Clark

The benefits of being a TCC teacher surprised me. I thought I knew most of it when I was accredited 23 years ago. But no. There is always more to learn about the subtleties of the movements, the evolution of TCC. I’ve benefited from attending retreats where we fine-tune our practice, share the power and intimacy of group Chi, and talk the real talk. — Robin Spencer

Since becoming a TCC teacher in 2007, my life has quietly transformed, physically, mentally, and emotionally. My center of gravity has moved to a more grounded place, giving me a stronger, steadier sense of self and presence. I have always been energetic, but that energy has softened. It’s calmer now and flows more easily with others. And it’s opened more space for creativity. I’ve become a pastel artist and can say that without apology. Teaching and practicing TCC has helped me listen more deeply and respond more thoughtfully to others. Above all, there’s the joy, the joy of the practice and connecting with the remarkable people in our TCC community. As Justin Stone said,” you meet the best people in TCC.” I certainly have. — Barbara Kristoff

Since becoming a teacher, I have become more of a container, less of an ego. I flow more with life and there is less stress. There is a gentleness in myself and others that wasn’t there before. There is a joy in life, a constant fullness. There is a knowing that says keep teaching, keep sharing, keep giving because the gifts of this practice are meant to be shared with any and all who come to TCC. There are no words for the feeling when students finish class for the day; they are filled with joy, peace, quiet. They don’t have the words either, but they thank you for this gift. And you tell them: it’s them, it’s their trust in the process, the Chi. — Michelle Sarubbi

A few benefits I’ve received from teaching TCC:

• Having people to practice TCC with

• Meeting like-minded people who become friends

• Making a difference in the quality of people’s lives

• Feeling inner peace and contributing to peace on earth — Pam Towne