Bad Habits No More at the New Jersey Intensive

My sincerest thanks to Dan Pienciak and Sr. Antonia for creating the opportunities to share and continue learning the Tai Chi Chih movements in a supportive, friendly environment wherein new friendships are formed and old contacts renewed—an environment enhanced by the beautiful grounds, outdoor swimming pool, and nurturing care of Sr. Rosemary and her staff at Mt. St. Francis Retreat Center within (or bordering) the Ringwood Sate Park in New Jersey.

How fortunate we are in the Northeast to have all this available to us. I left the June 23-26th Intensive with a feeling of renewal, wishing everyone could have easy access to this opportunity, and…wishing that some billionaire would manifest and buy Villa Maria so we’d have a T’ai Chi Chih Northeast Center—a place to refresh oneself wherein everyone regardless of background, religion (or non-religion), or level of TCC practice would feel welcome and return home having learned a lot about the movements and about oneself.

I had been struggling with Anchor Taffy for some time and Sandy picked it up almost immediately. “Complete the wind-up BEFORE stepping out…” So easy!! My first reaction was concern that I had been teaching it incorrectly, but this was quickly put to rest when a former student now accredited and also attending the Intensive showed us that she was able to do the move correctly. When I got home I immediately checked with another teacher/former student, and learned that she too had a correct understanding of the move. I was reminded of Justin’s words, “T’ai Chi Chih will teach you T’ai Chi Chih,” and I concluded that I must have fallen into a bad habit until Sandy spotted and corrected it. Justin says, “Don’t do the movements carelessly,” and apparently I had done just that. This correction alone made my attendance at the Intensive very worthwhile because that correction affected the ease of all the Taffy movements and gave me a clearer understanding of the Taffies. I also picked up a new and exciting awareness in several other moves. It amazes me that so many (seven) years after starting the T’ai Chi Chih movements and doing them on a daily basis that they can still feel fresh, new and inviting.

I encourage everyone to attend an Intensive. It was great fun to be with other teachers—especially seasoned teachers like Janet Ousatty, Nancy Adams, and Dan—and with Nancy Hall who became accredited when I did. I loved sharing the learning experience with students who will go on to become accredited teachers. Being with teacher candidates helps one to be in touch with “Beginner’s Mind,” to see the moves in a new and detailed way. My thanks to each participant for being at this Intensive.

And, my very special thanks to Sandy McAlister who is a role model of teaching, compassion, fun, laughter, fairness, lightness of being, sharing of self, and who still manages to be “as tough as nails.” Being with Sandy is another great reason to attend an Intensive.