Class News and Notes

Beverly McFarland, Cedar Crest, NM writes:

It’s the fourth class. I lead them through the Taffies, giving them permission to flail, to groan, to sigh — but asking that they trust the process. To their astonishment they are soon moving fluidly. The last part of the class is a silent T’ai Chi. I feel them behind me, synchronized, flowing. I turn and bow to them — their faces are transformed, the faces of children, glowing, eyes glistening, all lines of stress and care erased. We rest in the stillness, in the joy.

I became an accredited teacher in May ’94, have graduated several classes, with three in progress and four new ones scheduled. It just gets better and better — I learn daily from my students and my T’ai Chi Chih practice. I am not the person I was a few years ago — or even last year. Evolutionary force? I’ll say!

Diana & Richard Daffner, Siesta Key, FL write:

T’ai Chi Chih classes and beach practice continue. Classes swell during “season” here, and it’s always wonderful to see familiar faces from previous winters! The weekly beach practice is free and participants are rewarded with glorious sunsets, dolphin visits and not-to-be missed group energy.

Indoors, students enjoy Diana’s recently recorded tape, “Flute for T’ai Chi Meditation”. Richard and Diana share both flute and TCC movements as part of local poetry/theater/art/movement/music collaborative presentations!

Hope Ridley, San Mateo, CA writes:

Teaching continues to be very nourishing for me. Every class has something special and you can’t even compare from year to year about the numbers of students.

My latest challenge is trying to teach a class which has not only young, quick learners but two MS students who need special attention. One can only stand a short time. I try to speak extra to them before or after class to give tips and encouragement but during class I feel it’s important to appeal to the agile students, too. Keeps me alert! The variety is what makes teaching so rewarding.