Bringing Down the Chi at Ringwood NJ: A Pensively Intensive Journey

Five students and ten accredited teachers gathered together with course host, Dan Pienciak and teacher trainer, Sandy McAlister for the 3rd annual T’ai Chi Chih Intensive June 15-19. The long weekend seemed to be both revitalizing and exhausting for all. Sandy, with her innate ability to put all at ease, set a balanced tone for the entire time.

Anyone who has not experienced the flowing chi at Mt St Francis Retreat Center does not know what they are missing. From the scents of the flowering trees and gardens to the pond filled with geese who make Mt St Francis their home there is an easy feeling of gentle community even in solitude. As if that isn’t enough, Mt St Francis is located within Ringwood State Park where there are mansions to tour, gardens to stroll and woods to relax in complete with lakes and reservoirs. Sr Rosemary, our gracious host, is intent on seeing that everyone is comfortable and at ease. Chef Tony revels in seeing that our meals are a delight. He caters to all of us no matter what our tastes!

Early Thursday morning, Sandy began by speaking of such things as slippery spots, the fear of being off balance and “Is it your T’ai Chi Chih practice?” Afterward, the movements began. The students, intent on getting everything right, worked themselves to the bone! The teachers attempted to relax into the movements aware that the body already knows how to move; that it is in the letting go, the flow. However, by Friday afternoon, the students began to experience their overload meltdown as did many of the teachers, including Sandy. With joy and laughter, Sandy set the stage to release the tension caused by the meltdown. Saturday morning brought that much needed sense of release as students realized that most everyone had a meltdown of some sort. Sandy summed it up by saying, “Look for progress, not perfection.”

Sunday morning’s session was a continuation of that release, where we let go to let the chi flow from the T’an Tien out through the body. This Intensive created an overload meltdown tension that taught us a little more about releasing – letting go.

The New Jersey Scholarship Fund is richer thanks to the T-shirt auction that brought in more money than what was anticipated. Plenty of munchies were set out for late evening snacks. Good Karma books and tapes, along with with T-shirts and scarves were available for anyone who wanted them. Sr Antonia was able to be with us one day and brought several VCR tapes appropriate for evening “spiritual entertainment” for those who welcomed a diversion from the long days of TCC.

Within the nurturing atmosphere of Mt St Francis, practitioners of all levels of TCC were able to receive fresh insights and within sights of T’ai Chi Chih, Joy thru Movement. Thank you Justin!