The Lighter Side (April 2005)

Students were in the third session. The assignment was to name the TCC moves to date. The first person correctly said, “Rocking Motion.” We all broke out in laughter when the second person confidently said, “The Chicken Flap.”

– Neena Mitchell
Syracuse, New York

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At one point during a practise Sr. Viola was told that her front foot in Working the Pulley was swinging too much, to which she stated that that was just the way her foot went (as if it were out of her control). Student Wayne Cormier (who had been given numerous pointers all day) suggested that she “Just Do It.” We all burst into laughter and Viola acknowledged that it sounded like something Justin might say. “Yes,” she said, “I will do it.” It’s all a process isn’t it??

– Donna Aldous
Saskatchewan, Canada

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When Sr. Antonia and I had been in the chapel at New Folsom 5 or 10 minutes, just chatting with the men and getting organized, one of my students caught my eye and pulled me aside; “Is she a real nun? She is wearing a habit! She really does Tai Chi Chih?” “Yes,” I replied watching his face. Behind his eyes I could just see all his assumptions about nuns being blown to bits. “Does she live in one of those cathedrals?” he asked, working for the right word. “A convent, yes,” I helped. “This is messin’ with my mind,” and we laughed together.

– Judy Tretheway
Sacramento, CA

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Funny gifts for Antonia — the Bonsai Potato Kit (Zen without the wait) and Repent Body Detergent.

– Debbie Cole
at the Santa Barbara Retreat

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Outside the restroom with Pam, Sandy & Antonia. “If there is no rank in the T’ai Chi Chih community, then who goes first?”

– Debbie Cole
at the Santa Barbara retreat