Preparing for Teacher Accreditation

Preparing for teacher accreditation was not the most stressful thing that I’ve ever done. But, it was up there.

I had been preparing pretty intensively for some months, each one of which became more intense than the previous one. Class times increased from three to five hours each. Notes turned into notebooks. Movements were dissected. What I thought to be the most spiritual thing I’d ever done turned into total chaos. I was confused about what was right, what was wrong. I only felt discomfort. What was so gentle and non-muscular was now hard, tight, and unenjoyable. It was more work than I had bargained for. I had lost my connection to T’ai Chi Chih, to myself, to this entire wonderful universe. Six weeks before accreditation, I considered giving up the whole thing – this thing I had grown to love over the last six years, the only thing I have ever stayed with so long. At that point, the experience was very unrewarding. There was a choice to make.

Luckily the universe handed me a perfect opportunity and environment to make the right choice. I was scheduled to attend a workshop lead by Sr. Antonia in Warrenville that “choosing” weekend. Without that workshop at that moment, I’m not sure which direction my decision would have gone. But it was there that I renewed my passion and continued my training.

I want to express great thanks and gratitude to the dedicated teachers who gave so freely of their time to help me. I will carry their teachings close to my heart. I am a better person, and I will be a better teacher, because of them. My T’ai Chi Chih practice is deeper because of them. I went into the week of accreditation truly prepared; I came out a different person. I am humbled. I view the world very differently now. What I went through is part of the process of breaking down and rebuilding.

The week of accreditation was still stressful. My muscles were aching; my mind was uncertain. I wasn’t sure if I would ever want to go through this experience again. But I am grateful to have gone through it this time. I am honored to be part of this large community. Thank you to Justin and to all those who followed for allowing me this opportunity of great growth and love.

Teacher Training in Warrenville, IL; July 16-21

By Diana Welsh Durkin, Co-host

Entry to the Cenacle Center, a secluded retreat and spirituality center that served as July teacher training location, requires walking across a bridge. The invitation to cross this Bridge of Hope promises that hearts will be “… renewed and inflamed …” and in leaving that “… they go forth serving others with love.”

In preparation for the teacher training, co-host Donna McElhose and I asked the teacher candidates to keep an informal record of their thoughts for four weeks prior to the training, to write about feelings and other considerations that their TCC practice provided. Frustrations and discontentment with solo or community practices seemed more pronounced three and four weeks out from training. With two weeks to go, even with the pressures of leaving families and professional responsibilities, those experiencing breakdowns in their practices were recognizing the breakthroughs of letting go. One week prior training, a more positive power emerged from prior frustrations.

One candidate shared: “One week to go: Much better. Concentrated in the soles of the feet (Duh!) Friday’s practice was the best in some time.”

Another candidate reflected: “Next week’s training will be a demanding but wonderful time. I will definitely learn to be a good TCC teacher to my future students. Even more importantly, I will have a chance to really deepen my TCC practice, to let go and let TCC do TCC, and to flow effortlessly with the waves of Chi in the energy sea.”

We all crossed this Bridge of Hope – 12 candidates, 8 auditors, 2 co-hosts, and 1 Teacher Trainer – to begin, as one candidate predicted, “a week of amazing transformation.” This held true for all who crossed that bridge. As the initial anxiety and intensity of the first two days yielded to flowing softness, it brought to mind the words of Thomas Merton: “Happiness is not a matter of intensity but of balance and order and rhythm and HARMONY.” As we crossed the Bridge of Hope a final time – as 23 accredited TCC teachers – our hearts were renewed and inflamed, ready to serve with love. We were in harmony with one another and this mysterious practice called T’ai Chi Chih. Congratulations to the new teachers. Thank you, Pam Towne, for empowering us. Thank you, Justin Stone, for gifting us again and again.