Letter From a New Teacher

forwarded to The Vital Force by Justin Stone

One year ago this week, I became a teacher of T’ai Chi Chih. I moved to Bozeman in July and I have just completed my first 8-week class teaching T’ai Chi Chih! I had 10 students, most of whom had taken T’ai Chi Chuan and were very frustrated. What a wonderful time we had! Carmen always said we would learn and learn from our students and I can see how true that is. I will begin another class on July 2, and the art center where I teach has asked me to teach in the fall as well. My class wants me to set up a once a month group practice, which I will do . . .

I give my students a word to ponder for the week. One time the word was “joy.” Two of the women in class said that word had no meaning whatsoever for them. They listened to what others had to say and were quiet. At the end of the 8 weeks, I could see them smiling and knew that they were both finding a new gift in their lives– joy. It was heartwarming to look out over the class and remember that 8 weeks past these folks were not connected to their bodies and nothing was synchronized or coordinated. 8 weeks later they were doing T’ai Chi Chih very well.

Anyway, I want you to know that I greatly appreciate you and the gift you have given to the world. T’ai Chi Chih is so “do-able.” I think that’s why my class liked it so much. They could do it! And, they could enjoy it. I am also grateful for the times you were in class and especially during our practice sessions and the times you came to teacher training. Meant so much to me; I get softer when I am around you doing TCC. And, always, I am learning, learning, learning — with joy. Thank you, Justin

– Shannon Cooley
Bozeman, MT
June 24, 1998