Deepening our practice in the Deep South

The TCC intensive in Houston was quite a wonderful and intense experience. The setting at the Dominican Sisters was ideal for learning, sharing and quiet time. People from all over the United States and Canada came together to treasure the teachings given by Sandy McAlister. So many states were represented: Alabama, California, Florida, Kansas, Louisiana, Pennsylvania, Texas and Saskatchewan. Four teachers and nine students shared their experience and worked through the challenges of understanding the TCC practice. We all came with our own idea of what the practice “should be” and came out with the notion that it might not be quite so.

For me, this experience of the practice has changed in more details, in the “when, where” is the release of the knees, of the wrists happening, allowing the flow and not just the move. The release or softening of the knees creates a vacuum that propels us forward and back, explains Sandy. For Sr. Cathy, this intensive was a real eye opener or as she would say, “an energy opener,” an opportunity to look at the deeper aspects of the practice, in particular the way the energy flows in each move.

Johanna found that the affirmation “less is more” became true. She feels that the intensive training is an excellent tool in refining the movements and increasing the flow. It gives the student a good indication of “how ready” they truly are.

Rita loved the new feeling of lightness and movement that comes from releasing the energy as the movement begins, referring to the expression “pulling the plug.”

Sandy was extraordinary in her ability to convey the feel and precision of the movements, commented Lidia.

Each and every one of us left with another vision of what we have to work (or maybe not work so hard) on. For people who came with the intention or the expectation of getting a signature, it became clear that maybe, just maybe, “allowing more time” for improvement was necessary. We realized that all—students and teachers—are definitely on a journey in regard to their practice.

The TCC way is like life, full of challenges big and small, and it is through them that we can learn and improve if we really listen, if we really pay attention. And once we can find our center in the midst of all the details, all the limitations whether physical, emotional, unseen, and unexpressed; the unfolding of the practice becomes softer, becomes a flow. So allow yourself to find that center, feel it through the soles of the feet, and feel it through your guts. Let it guide you through your practice of the TCC discipline and through your life.

Intensive haiku

Legs yinning, yanging
Hands in tune for proper form
Flowing Energy

– Arlene Oehler