Candidates from around the world come to beautiful Ringwood

Nestled in the middle of the lovely Ringwood National Park at Mount St. Francis Retreat Center, 11 candidates gathered to pursue teacher accreditation. Sandy McAlister was the group’s leader, Dan Pienciak, their host, and Sr. Antonia Cooper, the T’ai Chi Chih Community’s new Guide, was also available for the better part of the week to lend her support to the process.

Sandy led the group with a compassion and strength that reflects her many years of T’ai Chi Chih practice. Her dedication and understanding of the T’ai Chi Chih principles enabled the class to reach deeper levels each day.

Dan offered insight and inspiration to the daily sessions. Due to his gentle nature and his attention to detail, Dan was able to host yet another successful T’ai Chi Chih training.

Approximately 15 auditing teachers offered their time to support the candidates in all aspects of their training. The auditors expressed their gratitude for the opportunity to deepen their own practice as well. Most believe this is a type of continuing education for their own practice.

It was apparent that several of the teacher-candidates had participated in the Intensive Trainings. From the very first practice the group exhibited a high level of preparedness. Their movements and sincere attitudes can obviously be credited to the new T’ai Chi Chih training format.

In spite of the heightened level of movement, the candidates found and released tension over and over again. Weight shifts improved, waists moved more easily and all learned to move with soft wrists to assist the flow of the Chi.

The evenings were filled with working on movements, practicing presentations, viewing tapes of Justin’s message to the attendees of the San Antonio conference, his visit to Folsom Prison and a video of the rededication ceremony offered by Sr. Antonia in Banff, Alberta, Canada. The aspiring candidates were rewarded for their hard work with a variety of treats to whet their appetites and sweeten their spirits.

These new teachers will take the T’ai Chi Chih practice to New Jersey; Pennsylvania; Virginia; Tupelo, MS; Alexandria, LA; as well as, for the first time to Newfoundland, Canada; Korea; and the Dominican Republic.

* * *

Dan
Sandy
Do you know
The fire you lit
In our lives
Burning
Joy

– All the newly accredited T’ai Chi Chih teachers