Flowing from the Center with Joy

Santa Barbara, CA Retreats

Feb. 20-23, 2007

Feb. 27-Mar. 2, 2007

by Pam Towne

Oceanside, CA

Two groups of TCC students and teachers retreated from their everyday activities and immersed themselves in T’ai Chi Chih for four days. The consensus was that it was a wonderful way to relax in a peaceful, beautiful setting overlooking Santa Barbara and the Pacific Ocean, refine our movements and deepen our TCC practice, and renew body, mind and spirit.

Sister Antonia Cooper led us in “Flowing from the Center with Joy,” our theme for exploring the essentially spiritual moving meditation of TCC. Participants shared their experiences at the gentle conclusion of each retreat.

“I felt more grounded and flowing than ever before. (Nikki Vonder, student, Encinitas, CA)

“I’m leaving with a deeper understanding of how to move.” (Carol Wong, teacher, Marysville, CA)

“I found the natural and spiritual energy environment at Mt. Calvary Retreat House to be the perfect mood setter for TCC. Practicing with the mixed group of students and teachers deeply satisfied my soul. I’m now understanding a much bigger picture of what TCC is.” (Joanne Thomas, student, Vista, CA)

“The retreat was more than I ever expected. I learned more, felt more, grew more than I ever have before. It was truly a deepening experience. Thank you.” (Carol Roeske, teacher candidate, Albuquerque, NM)

“This was a great retreat…a real chance to take some time out and discover how to improve my TCC practice. For me it was a lot about slowing down and feeling the movements originating at the Tan T’ien. This also allowed me to be much more in touch with the soles of my feet. We allowed ourselves to be empty of ego, so we could be open to experiencing our movements in a new way and let it flow. I think the Chi is helping me to flow through life more easily, without effort. (Marie Dorr, student, Encinitas, CA)

“This has been a rich experience of coming together in community where we can connect and practice and learn with each other. I have been teaching TCC since 1999 and yet I am taking with me new insights about almost every movement. I am very grateful for this opportunity to deepen my own TCC practice as well as to become a more effective teacher, and to realize anew how precious our TCC Community is.” (Diana Wright, teacher, Fountain Valley, CA)

“It always seems like a paradox to me: to be moving, yet I’m not moving. I’m not doing it. When my mind travels to my center, I have let go…only to have it all….The feeling of being at ‘home’ in one’s self and in the world…with one’s self, PRESENT!” (Rosalind Walsh, student, Encinitas, CA)