Mountaintop Experience in Santa Barbara, CA

On January 27th, 12 teachers, eight students and four community leaders found their way up the narrow, winding mountain road to what felt like the top of the world to the Mt. Calvary Retreat House. All became students for four days, as together we each explored our TCC practice at the first West Coast TCC Intensive.

This mountain ridge overlooking the blue Pacific provided a peaceful setting that was perfect for relaxing and immersing ourselves deeply in the essence of TCC. As Ed Altman skillfully led us, the theme of “discovery” emerged on the first morning and developed over the next four days. Together we explored how to move for a greater flow of Chi, and discovered the JOY in “Joy thru Movement”!

We each made great progress in refining our T’ai Chi Chih movements. Teachers left with “ahas” about their own practice, and greater knowledge of how to prepare their students for Accreditation. Students interested in becoming teachers left knowing clearly what they needed to correct in their movements before going to Teacher Training.

The final practice before lunch on the fourth day was bittersweet. As the Intensive experience came to a graceful conclusion, so did Ed’s duties as the Head of our TCC community. His leadership will be greatly missed!

The consensus was that we want to return to this facility next year, and Sr. Antonia has offered to lead two TCC Retreats, which Pam Towne will host. See the Calendar for February 2005 dates and register early to reserve your space.