Attending an Intensive

Springtime is a time of renewal, a great time to look more deeply at why we practice T’ai Chi Chih, and as teachers, why we teach it. Looking into my own experience, I do TCC for the peace, joy, balance, freedom, and unity it brings my body, mind, and spirit. It literally keeps me moving; I might be crippled from knee, back, and neck injuries if not for TCC. Mentally, it provides access to internal calm. TCC has become a spiritual practice that consciously connects me with the flow of life.

Teaching TCC is a way of sharing the benefits received, yet it goes far beyond that. It contributes to peace on our planet. Look at why you practice or teach, and let clarity motivate you to share TCC more fully. As for practicing, it’s wonderful to do alone and more fulfilling to do with others. Have you experienced that exquisite sense of Oneness when everyone in a group is moving together? Give yourself the gift of immersion for several days; attending an event can be empowering.

Intensives are designed for an in-depth exploration of your TCC practice. If you are a TCC teacher, there are many reasons to attend: to deepen your own practice and appreciation; to refine how you move for a greater flow of Chi; to learn how to better prepare candidates for teacher training; to learn new teaching techniques; and to connect with the larger TCC community. If you want to become a teacher, consider attending to better understand the depths of TCC practice and the principles of how to move; to discover what needs to be changed before you attend teacher training so you’ll have several months to integrate those changes; and to experience doing several hours of TCC daily.