First TCC In The Carolinas

Retreat with Antonia Cooper near Asheville, NC; March 20-21, 2010

By Vicki Schroeder, Travelers Rest, NC

I had no idea what to expect as I prepared to co-host, along with Stan Corwin, a two-day T’ai Chi Chih retreat with 13 teachers and 20 students. So I kept my expectations within reason. What I received was life changing. Some of the experience came from the beautiful setting at the Kanuga Conference Center. But the rest came from the people who attended. I have been to several TCC retreats over the past five years, and they all vary depending on who attends. Participants came from 10 states; many came because Antonia was going to be there. My students didn’t know what to expect, but Antonia wowed them. So many attendees commented on how much they felt their TCC practice had deepen in 48 hours. They also said they felt renewed and recommitted to their practice. Upon hearing these comments, I knew something had changed in each person who’d attended.

What I found most fun and amazing is that I spent more time watching everyone to make sure all the needs were met (which allowed me to see things that I never would have noticed if I had just been a participant). As the group melded and people got to know one another, it was amazing to watch what happened. I could feel the group become more grounded. I could see people’s practice become softer, their tan t’iens leading more. I could feel people soaking in Antonia’s words and see participants begin to incorporate those comments into their bodies and practice. I could hear questions to Antonia become deeper – and not just about how to do a movement. I could see non-teachers look with appreciation and admiration to the teachers. I could feel the teacher’s appreciation of the non-teachers (for their questions and beginner’s insight). I could see people thinking about what more TCC could do for them. That people were from all different walks of life but those differences melted away as the retreat progressed. That people looked at other people with amazement as they got to know other life stories and experiences. I could see and feel how much appreciation everyone had for each other by the end of the two days. That people began to understand that TCC is not about trying so hard or having to get it perfect … now.

People’s wrists and waists began to soften. People’s weight shift got a little more complete as the retreat progressed. Egos receded to the background just a bit. People stopped worrying about being wrong and focused on how much they liked this newfound freedom. I could see in people’s eyes and posture when they’d had an “ah ha” moment. Movements slowed down. Assurance and confidence crept into bodies and eyes. Watching the group during those two days was a fascinating and wonderful experience.

I felt so proud to be a part of the TCC community. As I watched and talked to everyone, I found myself thinking how lucky I am to know all of these people, whom I wouldn’t have known without TCC. That is a very humbling truth. Every person is so remarkable in his or her own way. TCC has really opened my eyes to more easily see how extraordinary each and every person is. How truly remarkable TCC is to bring me the gifts of awesome people and friends.

Where In The World

Please send photos of yourself or other practitioners doing T’ai Chi Chih somewhere in the world to The Vital Force, and we’ll start running them in this regular space – a la Waldo. Teacher Caroline Perkins of New York City gets this first spot. Where is she? Email your best guess before the next issue discloses the whereabouts of Caroline. All winners will be entered into a drawing for a year’s free subscription to The Vital Force, to be drawn at the annual conference.