April Snow Brings 11 New Teachers Into The Community

Teacher Training with Pam Towne in St. Paul, MN; April 7-12, 2008

By Carol Mockovak, Co-Host

The weather was strange, with snow falling in April. It was even unusual for Minnesota. But just as every snowflake has it’s own unique pattern, each of the 11 candidates brought his or her own special gifts and talents to the teacher training.

During their presentations candidates addressed diverse audiences. They ranged from an artist’s cooperative to staff members at a mental health day treatment program; from nurses and social workers in a hospital setting to residents in senior housing; from employees at a company picnic to people with hearing losses; from parents of small children to school administrators; from arthritis sufferers to volunteers with Habitat for Humanity. The diversity is an indication of the expanding range of T’ai Chi Chih and how the candidates valued the practice in their own lives.

Here are some words from those who moved softly through spring snows to blossom into teaching flowers at week’s end.

“The week started somewhat stressfully, but teachers and fellow students shared their loving Chi to make the experience so very positive.” – Ginger Weisser

This morning

I watched a snowplow

As it disturbed little pathways

In God’s frosty kiss

On the earth

Last night. – Harry Dieckmann

“A total feeling of fresh air was added to my practice.” – Mary J. Case

“I have a greater appreciation of the center, the place from where movements are directed.” – Marian Bystrom

“When I gave my presentation on Friday morning, I was more anxious than I thought I would be. I was also calmer than I thought I would be.” – Kip Kippley

“I would like to plant seeds of joy in as many people as possible by teaching TCC.” – Yuko Voss

“I feel as if I’m rooted to each and every person that was here for this beautiful journey of ours.” – Colleen Sikel

Sitting on the Mountain Top

Receptive and repose

Enfolded in thy patient love

A sacred place unfolds.

Like little lights

Sparks of thy heart

Flow from center

Detach, depart, disperse. – Beth Preston

“I am so grateful for the TCC family. I felt completely at home and at peace.” – Andrea Cole

“I have never experienced being in a group where so much love energy was flowing.” – Bev Rademacher

“I like the old Indian saying that ‘Certain things catch your eye, but pursue only those that capture your heart.’ TCC has captured my heart.” – Deb Bertelsen

Retreat with Antonia Cooper in St. Louis, MO; April 1-2, 2008

By Susan Kissinger, Host

Eight teachers, twenty-one students, and five beginners joined together to deepen our T’ai Chi Chih practice. No single word adequately expresses the experience; perhaps unity comes closest. Other words that bubbled up for participants include: attentive, accepting, and awesome; hopeful, wonderful, joyful, and delightful; freeing, healing, calming, and flowing; wondrous, radiant, oneness, and watery; peaceful, vital, tranquil, and grateful.

I was touched by the profound simplicity of Antonia’s words and the stillness of her presence, which so clearly guided our inner journeys. Arms softened as Antonia spoke of the yin/yang symbol, with the black dot within the white and the white within the black. Knees softened as we grounded through the soles of our feet, connecting with earth energy. Our empty cups were filled with wisdom and joyful movement.