Fifteen Candidates Accredited in Colorado Springs

As it says in Justin’s book Spiritual Odyssey: “Teh (Inner Sincerity) is the basis of T’ai Chi Chih (TCC). It is the power of Inner Sincerity, as exemplified by TCC teachers, that has been responsible for the rapid growth of TCC. This type of person who is drawn to TCC, and wants to become a teacher, is almost always a deeply sincere person, eager to pass on the benefits he or she has gained from TCC practice…There isn’t the slightest doubt in my mind of the future of TCC; there are reasons why it is here and there are reasons why you the teacher, have been brought to it.”

The inner sincerity of the 15 teacher candidates was deeply palpable from the very first introductory evening. Justin was right to say that the power of the teachers’ teh is the jewel of TCC. Their inner sincerity opened up a powerful ground of love, kindness, support, humility, and deep connection. From this ground the candidates allowed themselves to grow and deepen their practice. From this ground they supported one another when a fellow candidate was going through a challenging moment. From this ground they experienced a growing sense of confidence and joy in sharing TCC. From this ground they opened up to more of Who and What they are. I left with so much gratitude for Justin Stone, TCC, and most importantly, our community. This gratitude has not left my heart, and I do not have the slightest doubt in my mind of the future of TCC. — Marie Dotts, Host

Thank you to Sandy, Marie, and the auditing TCC teachers who offered invaluable instructions to help me understand and improve my movements. And thank you to all the other candidates (now accredited teachers) who offered support and friendship. My life was touched by each of you, and I am grateful. — Steven Huskey, South Carolina

Sharing my own practice and experiences with others was life-affirming. I feel a sense of connection and collective Chi awareness now that I didn’t realize I was missing. Bringing this sense of togetherness and belonging back into the world is something I’m looking forward to. — Christian Gunning, Ohio

What is top of mind? We built our own little community at the Franciscan Retreat Center. Fifteen candidates supported by eight to 10 teachers. We established new relationships and strengthened existing ones. We behaved with loving kindness, focused intently on a spiritual practice that can change the world. As I write this, it is four days before the Presidential election, wars are raging in the Middle East and elsewhere, and human impacts on the natural world continue to worsen. Yet as Justin wrote in Abandon Hope: “The mystery of Being is the matter that concerns us all. Next to the activity of Being, politics is child’s play, business is a superficial game, and war is the squawking of alley cats.” — Greg Berg, New Mexico

Working with teacher auditors was fantastic. Their additional insights were invaluable. Trainer Sandy McAlister and host Marie Dotts gave so much phenomenal guidance. The constant focus of moving from the tan t’ien and the soles of the feet helped refine my weight shifts. It was a complete joy to be accredited with my fellow candidates. — Tim Mangina, Colorado

The goal I set a year ago to become an accredited TCC teacher was manifested during this week in ways I never could have imagined. Through doubts, friction, frustrations and uncertainty, I arrived at a place where I can feel joy and contentment. The deepening and refinement of the practice, the relationships and community established… it is a monumental experience in my quest of who I am. I will always have a place to feel at home with myself and this world I am navigating. —Darlene Benton, New York

The metaphor of a lotus growing in the mud, reaching for light, and that light is really love (writes Cecilie Kwiat) and then the lotus blooms. It is fitting. Chi stirs up the muddy bottom so that what needs to be seen is acknowledged and released. The mud settles in the stillness of practice. The love from all the TCC candidates reaching for certification supports the whole process. I am grateful to be part of the community. — Joan Sheehan, Colorado

TCC teacher accreditation taught me many things:

About grounding and moving from the center (tan t’ien)

with softness and continuity.

It gave us as teacher trainees opportunities to refine our movements

and our practice, and taught us how to

Coach our students by observing them and helping them

refine their movements. We learned

How to establish new classes with guidelines and

options for presenting to diverse groups. We were

Introduced to the TCC online community

and the many resources available to teachers. We found

Camaraderie by building relationships, and we saw

How people from many different backgrounds

could come together for one purpose.

In the course of the week, we learned about each other,

from each other, and how to care for each other

and, importantly, we learned

How to make our world a better place by sharing the Chi

as we embark on our journey as TCC teachers. — Steven Huskey, South Carolina

In Colorado Springs, I found my tan t’ien. I assessed it for the very first time. Thank you, Marie, for your genuine heart and how it spoke to mine. You are a true treasure. — Pam Hernandez, Ohio

As we left the practice building today, 16 wild deer grazed and rested along the paths to our dorm. They peacefully remained as we teacher candidates quietly walked through. What a metaphor for our group, on retreat at this difficult pre-election week in our divided country. We came from across the U.S., united in Chi, sharing our love of this practice and our wish to share it with others in peace. — Anon, New Mexico

Several years ago, I was serendipitously introduced to TCC and inspired to take classes. Fast forward a few years and here I am at accreditation, expanding my knowledge of the wonderful world of TCC, making new friends, teachers and students alike. I am so touched and inspired by them all. I am embracing the joy of becoming accredited. My TCC journey continues! — Rod Nakayama, California

With peaceful and wonderful energy, the Franciscan Center is a beautiful place to retreat and allow great transformations. We gathered from different backgrounds, beliefs, history, needs, goals, and felt only love, light, and support. As Chi is a blessing so are the people who have found TCC. Thank you to all who walked alongside me this week. — Colette Hertz, Montana