Cracked Seeds At Accreditation

Reflecting upon the teacher accreditation week, I am speechless. So I keep writing until I find words to express what I experienced. The loving kindness was of the richest kind. My previous experience in other TCC workshops, retreats, intensives and even when mentoring one-on-one was that my practice would break down when trying to incorporate what I had learned. This time though, I experienced a breakthrough. I felt my practice deepen all week. I became aware of how well prepared I was. I learned from eight different teachers and learned something new from each one.

Stories about Justin and watching the DVD of him speaking at Folsom Prison painted a picture of him and his inner landscape that I’d never known before. Candidates were given the opportunity to lead movements, watch for areas that students may need correction in and (attempt) to correct them – with laughter, since auditing teachers took our words literally, showing us in their movements what we were saying. Despite my anxiety, the feedback on my presentation was invaluable.

Upon arising on the final day, I read from “The Book of Awakening” by Mark Nepo:

All the buried seeds
Crack open in the dark
The instant they surrender
To a process they can’t see.

The Chi and loving kindness washes over my cracked buried seeds, softening their hulls, so that the Essence of who I am can grow and blossom. In surrendering, I feel a reawakening; and Joy is the first blossom to bloom.

To the teacher candidates, auditing teachers, our host Marie Dotts, teacher trainer Daniel Pienciak, and to those who held us in their hearts and Chi from a distance, abundant gratitude for your unconditional love and support. Moving forward with intention that I may share with others the gifts you have given to me.