A Week To Remember: Teacher Training in Edmonton

The week of Sept. 12-17th brought with it a myriad of emotions ranging from great excitement to grave uncertainty and trepidation for seven anxious and eager students gathering in Edmonton, Alberta to participate in the T’ai Chi Chih accreditation process. As Pam pointed out at the start of the training, it was no accident that they were present, and only a great flowing of Chi could have made the training manifest when the registered students dropped below the required numbers. Because these seven were so determined and dedicated to pursuing their intention to become accredited TCC teachers, they brought with them an enthusiasm and determination that will be hard to equal. And because this was such a small group, a noticeable bond of unity and friendship germinated, grew and blossomed into a most fragrant and wonderful flower which I have no doubt will yield much fruit over time. What would bring this group of “strangers” together, with seemingly little in common, to spend a week sequestered at the Providence Renewal Centre spending all day and even sometimes late into the evening determinedly improving themselves? Well, of course we well know the answer to that: T’ai Chi Chih! But what was it about TCC that had such an effect on these so normal looking students?

For Rochelle Alexandroff, a family therapist and art therapist from Toronto, Ontario, the benefits of TCC have been profound in her own life and she’s excited and anxious to be able to help the families and students she works with learn how to use TCC as a tool to help release blocked energy, stress and pain. Her determination to conquer her own limitations and perfect her form is a testament to her sincere belief in the healing and restorative power TCC possesses. Rita Beth from Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan is a certified fitness instructor with a Mind Body specialty. She intends to incorporate TCC into her work with the Arthritis Society where she will also be training other instructors to lead society classes. Her gentle and knowledgeable manner will be certain to instill much curiosity and enthusiasm for TCC in her students. Along similar lines, Dina Ajlenberg from Toronto will be working with the Osteoporosis Society as well as teaching classes to fibromyalgia patients. She left the training so excited she even gave a small demo of a couple of moves in the galley of the plane on her flight back home. Jerry Bumbalough, from Greenfield, California, on the other hand, is not the overtly demonstrative type. In fact, we had to really push the limits to get him to even smile for the camera! But where Jerry stands high above the crowd is in his exceptional skills at analysing, organising, and exuding a quiet steadfastness and confidence in himself and his students. No doubt these admirable talents were acquired through the many years he spent in the military and later US postal service. Since discovering TCC and developing his faithful personal practice he has virtually erased any visible traces of his disabilities. With such a life altering experience behind him, Jerry is ready to devote his time and considerable energy to sharing his discovery of TCC as far and wide as the Chi will take him. Gail Terriff, the only teacher candidate from Edmonton, also intends to take TCC with her wherever she goes. In her presentation she explained that TCC has always been there for her, like a good friend you can always count on. As she put it, “My friend is always with me. I take it wherever I go, and it adds no weight to my luggage.” Gail’s very calm and gentle manner is sure to nourish a large and faithful group of students in the years to follow. Wendy Toye, a dynamo from Humboldt, a little town in Saskatchewan, plans to take her message of the benefits of TCC to as many small business owners as she can catch hold of. The owner of Haus of Stitches, a store supplying yard goods and quilting and knitting supplies among other things, Wendy has reaped the benefits of TCC for herself in the form of increased energy, an improved immune system, more creativity and focus, and migraines that have all but disappeared. She wants everyone under the stress of business ownership to hear about what TCC can do for them and keep burnout from creeping into their lives. And finally, Lidia Paice, an extraordinarily creative former art teacher, now running Harmony House, a retreat centre and bed and breakfast at Manitou Beach in Saskatchewan, has found that TCC has the calming and healing powers much like the famous healing waters of Little Manitou Lake. In her busy life as owner, cook, and host of Harmony house, and as a massage therapist working at the Manitou Hotel Spa, Lidia has experienced the soothing calm that it seems only TCC can bring. She feels that TCC is the only explanation for a noticeable improvement in an auto immune disorder she had developed, and she knows the world is hungry for such healing. With her contact and interaction with guests from all over the word she’s sure to spread TCC’s healing powers near and far.

And so ends this account of one heck of a great week in Edmonton. Since Justin reminds us that the strength of TCC is in its teachers, I chose to focus on what was most important that wonderful week in September: Seven amazing new TCC teachers. It was a great joy and privilege to work with and get to know each of these exceptional new teachers. TCC’s future is surely bright! I must also acknowledge the other players in this story with such a happy ending. Pam played her role as teacher trainer with ease and grace while the auditors Lorraine Lepine, Faye Mohr, Chery Ann Hoffmeyer, Yvette Bowman, Lois Broome, Sr. Viola Bens & Tamara Zujewskyj all contributed generously of their time and considerable teaching experience. Their gentle guidance and considerable insights gave us all encouragement and inspiration. Thank you one and all.