Accreditation Doors

At the outset, Pam encouraged us to name our intention for the week. Although I usually rely on words, my intention came as an image of an open door. As the unbidden has a knack of doing, the image stayed with me throughout the week.

Sometimes the door was wide open to let in whatever/whoever I seemed to need; sometimes it was slightly ajar so I could sneak a peek within myself. Sometimes it was open to the unknown or a solid door confident and sure. Sometimes it was a sliding door off the track (think learning to mirror side-to-side movements).

The open door image also gave me insight into the experience of the Tao, the living out of the aspects of yin and yang. The door could swing me from the contraction of “unlearning” to the expansiveness of relearning. It moved between the dark of self-doubt to the light of encouragement; between negative feelings of confusion and positive experiences of “aha moments.” All of these transitions were guided by the subtle intuition of the yin and the bold creativity of the yang, an experience of the complementary and interconnected.

One great gift that this open door gave to me was access to the presence and support of my fellow teacher-candidates as we companioned each other through this incredible and challenging portal. It was a privilege to journey with individuals of such authentic self-revelation, open to each other, kind of heart and sincere of spirit. Ever-present was the openness, caring and respect of the teacher trainer (Pam), host (April) and all auditing teachers who participated by standing on either side of the door, willing to help us in or out and making sure we did not become unhinged.

During the week I witnessed in each individual present how a commitment to the depths of T’ai Chi Chih can inform and deepen our lives. The practice of TCC encourages the stability of grounding and dynamism of creativity; the expected and unexpected; being at home in the same space within us. The accreditation process invited me to keep the door open and seek the next threshold to be crossed. With gratitude.