Bringing TCC To Kazakhstan

In Fall 2009 I went to Kazakhstan at the invitation of the US Embassy in Almaty to serve as a cultural envoy. I am a wool textile artist and I was asked to share my work and exchange inspiration with wool artisans in two remote cities of this vast Central Asian country. The embassy said that these participants needed new ideas in order to create work that could be brought to market, thus making the women economically independent. 

I was quite intimidated at the thought of teaching artists who lived in the land of the Great Silk Road where beautiful textiles had been created and traded for centuries. In the 1200’s their ruler, Genghis Khan, called them “the people of the felted walls.” I searched my heart for I could bring to them that would be of value. I decided to share with them all that has made me who I am as an artist: I decided to bring them T’ai Chi Chih.

Every morning for six days in the city of Shymkent, in the south of Kazakhstan, we gathered together outside of our workshop building in a noisy parking area, sheltered from the sun but not from curious onlookers. I was accompanied by Leila and Karligash from the embassy, who did the moves alongside me and translated my words into Russian and Kazakh, above the voices of loud workmen and honking horns.

I knew from the start that some were skeptical, wondering what TCC had to do with felting wool. I explained to them that this was a way I get centered and grounded so I can focus and be more creative in my work. The group was quite lively and talkative and it was often difficult to get their attention. I was concerned that as Muslims they might be skeptical of TCC as some kind of religious practice. However, during each session, in which we learned a few more moves each day, they were quiet and attentive and asked me to repeat some of the phrases and words we use as teachers in our classes. They spoke of feeling tingling in their fingers and being very relaxed. Some were taking notes, and several came to me afterwards, asking if this would help them deal with the stress of difficult home situations or recovery from cancer. 

One day the entire group took a bus trip to Otrar, the archeological site of an ancient city that Genghis Khan had destroyed in the 13th century. I was told the energy there was very powerful. It was hot and dusty and we had to cover our heads. While I did not want to be disrespectful of this sacred space, I felt a strong desire to do a few movements before leaving. I stopped to do Rocking Motion and could indeed feel the Chi as a strong, physical force in my hands. Before I knew it, a few women had joined me doing the moves! I only wish we could have stayed to do our entire practice there. It would have been beyond description.

When the six days were over I received many requests for more information about TCC. I wrote down all the moves with descriptions that Karligash translated and gave to the participants. She and Leila asked if I could send materials so they could meet in Almaty and do TCC together after I was gone. I did so and hope they have been able to continue to practice. I know that Chi opened the way for this all to happen. No matter where you are in the world, TCC is a gift. Isn’t that amazing?