Growing From Student Into Teacher

I have been teaching an ongoing, open enrollment T’ai Chi Chih class for two years at the Senior Center in Oakland, New Jersey where I live. I started as a student in this class when Bill Moore was the instructor (and studied with him for four years before becoming an accredited instructor). I was an active member of the center community during this time, also involved in art and yoga classes.

I felt a ying/yang energy in my transition from being a student peer to the teacher leading the weekly practice. On the one hand I know the students well enough to feel comfortable with them. On the other hand, I was not confident that I could follow in the footsteps of Bill, an excellent, experienced and well-respected teacher. My fellow students were not ready to give up his expertise for my novice teaching. I was so nervous during those first months of teaching that I did not sleep the night before each class. Instead I would be up all night mentally going through each movement. With patience, my daily practice enabled me to let go of this fear. I began to feel open to the Chi creating inspiration and inner strength to accept that my enthusiasm for teaching TCC was enough.

Class attendance fluctuates between 17 and 25 people each week; half of the students have more than five year’s experience while the other half are at varying beginner stages. I am fortunate to be a retired school teacher and welcome the challenges of teaching such a diverse group of elders. Never would I have dreamt that I could teach for fun and joy in my retirement. Each week, while teaching principles and demonstrating movements, I become more patient, kind, supportive and nurturing to my peers. Lastly, sitting in silence for five minutes at the end of each class allows us to feel and savor the benefits of practice. We all leave with smiles.