Feeling the Love Through TCC

A sense of together yet apart permeated the T’ai Chi Chih (TCC) conference, an epic event, produced over many months, with so many hours and talents. In deciding which insights from presentations to share with my students, I noticed that the word “feelings” was plastered over every page of my notes.

We heard about feeling grounded and sinking like tree roots into the dirt. My students would love that because we often meet in the park with lots of trees. The tan t’ien was mentioned in new ways (to me), feeling it as the center of wisdom and intuition, as a GPS. Judy Chancey’s idea of using a gold seal over the exact spot of the tan t’ien as a guide is a great teaching tool I will try.

I feel excitement about sharing new information about the weight shift, and feeling the texture of our breathing, even though a particular way to breathe is not taught. When I meet with my students, I will emphasize feeling relaxed by softening the hands and knees to alleviate stress. I’ve said that before, but this time I hope they will feel the words in their tan t’iens. Coordinating the whole body takes practice and patience. It is a commitment of time and dedication to learn TCC. As a teacher I need to be willing to repeat myself, but in many interesting ways, as Sandy did at the conference.

Although it was not my original intent to teach TCC, here I am many years later, teaching, feeling like a beginner, sometimes discouraged but often encouraged, learning new tricks, making new friends. Apparently, none of this is an accident. A favorite Justin Stone quotation was shared by Lesley Nell in the UK: “We cannot reach a destination traveling in the wrong direction.” It is an honor to be a part of this dedicated group, expanding out into the world, feeling the bond of the Chi, and going places we have never been before.