In Gratitude for the Unexpected

The Art of Teaching Seniors

Barbara Peller, Northfield, IL

I’m delighted to write that I’ve just completed my first semester teaching TCC to seniors at three locations. Previously, I’d been teaching for one year at two holistic health centers. Then last Spring, I was recommended as a T’ai Chi teacher by a friend who teaches yoga to seniors at our local community college. When I got the first call for an interview, I had no idea what would evolve. In a matter of weeks, I had committed to three free demonstrations and three fall classes for seniors.

Never having worked with seniors, I chose to simply pray and meditate, asking for help and guidance; and from the start, the seniors fell in love with T’ai Chi Chih. Having no idea what to expect from these students, I simply taught session-by-session, while feeling the students’ needs and their level of openness, and responding to their questions and interests. One class was scheduled for 10 weeks, another for 12 weeks and the third for 13 weeks; yet all three classes mastered the first ten movements, and one class learned all the taffies, while the other two are just learning basic taffy. They all love the relaxation and the stimulating exercise.

All three classes requested a break after the first half hour of movements; so we have chairs in the back of the room, and relax for ten minutes while sharing stories of TCC practice, as well as questions on refinements and corrections of moves. Sometimes we listen to Justin’s tape on TCC, and sometimes the classes enjoy being guided through a progressive relaxation or guided imagery exercise.

My inner guidance was to reiterate to each class that each student is to be a self-advocate for their own particular body’s needs. I let them know that the goal is to create a positive experience for their bodies and minds, so they’ll want to keep coming back to class and enjoy learning and practicing at home. I’m happy to help students adjust any movement to their bodies’ special needs and sensitivities; and all students are welcome to keep a chair nearby, if needed. They learn to be more aware of their own comfort zone, and if they need to rest awhile, or do the movements while seated, they are always encouraged to take good care of themselves.

When we resume our TCC movements after the break, they are quickly back into the flow. After concluding with the Cosmic Consciousness pose, I ask them to stand for a moment, while placing their attention on the soles of their feet, and in that quiet moment I offer them a suggestion for a self-nurturing gift they can give to themselves that day, or perhaps simply ask them to think of something they feel thankful for.

The seniors often mention having difficulties remembering the movements, so I talk them though each movement throughout the class. I know they appreciate the help in guiding them along, as the program directors tell me how grateful the students are for my verbal instructions throughout the class hour. Some of the seniors have questions they want to express personally, or information they want to share; so, I’ve made a practice of arriving early and being available after class. I love teaching seniors; their gratitude for learning TCC and their openness to new ways of self-healing has won my heart. I feel a special dedication to these students, and am most grateful to be able to offer them the enrichment TCC can bring to their lives.