Musings About Teaching & Connecting, by April Leffler (February 2015)

Teaching TCC: Why do you do it?

I teach T’ai Chi Chih because I love TCC. I find it to be an excellent tool to help others get out of their heads and into their feet (i.e. the Present Moment). I teach TCC because it is so user-friendly: stand or sit if you need to. Move what you can and imagine moving body parts that may be incapacitated (after all, energy does follow thought). How liberating this might sound to someone who is experiencing physical challenges. During a free TCC presentation at a high rise apartment complex, an elderly woman (who used a wheelchair and had one leg amputated) and her husband (who used a walker), sheepishly asked me if they might be able to attend class and do the moves. What joy it was to be able to tell them that yes, they could absolutely take part in the class. I can still recall the radiant face of this woman while she felt the Chi in her hands during class.

What do you think you’re giving to others and what do you get?

I believe that I am somewhat of a tour guide pointing the way for others to look within themselves and to re-discover that, underneath the noise, distractions and thoughts lay a quietude, depth and wisdom that are found deep inside. In return, I witness people relaxing physically and perhaps even leaving class standing a bit taller and more confidently. I see people letting go of stress and tension as they become more adept at feeling the moves. And I am gifted with and humbled by the awareness of my own inner wisdom.

What have you found to be the most effective ways (for you personally) to keep spreading the word, interesting new students, keeping current students engaged?

TCC is Joy Thru Movement, not drudgery thru movement. I think Joy is infectious and contagious. While my eyes are always scanning the class for corrections that may be needed, I am very mindful of the importance of allowing the class to be fun for folks. Also praise goes a long way in helping students relax, which enhances their ability to learn as well as enables them to feel the Chi more readily. Word of mouth tends to spread about the class because people are reaping the benefits while also enjoying the practice.

Training the next generations of TCC teachers

Do you think moving more qualified students toward becoming TCC teachers is an important part of building the future of TCC? Is this a focus of your teaching?

TCC seems to be a program of attraction. Most of my students who have gone on to become teachers had approached me and expressed an interest in becoming accredited. On occasion, I have approached a student who is moving well and suggested that perhaps he or she might consider going on to become an accredited teacher. I encourage but generally don’t recruit and like to allow things to develop organically.

Connecting with other TCC teachers: Is it important to you?

It’s extremely important to me. In fact, some of my best friends are like-minded people I’ve met through TCC. Friendships and spiritual kinship aside, it’s also a wonderful learning opportunity to be exposed to a variety of teaching styles, to practice with other teachers and to fine tune my own practice.

What are the main ways you connect with them? Are these effective and enough?

Attending TCC events is the main way I connect with other teachers. Getting together with local teachers is another way. I attend the teacher’s conference annually. I attend and host various TCC retreats, intensives and teacher accreditations. I find this to be very effective in staying connected with others and to keep my practice clean. I also enjoy maintaining contact with the TCC community through my subscription to The Vital Force as well as through social media avenues like Facebook.

Is there anything else you’d like the readers to know?

For me, TCC has always been a metaphor for life. And, as such, it is an inner discipline and a sacred journey. Being grounded, flowing from the tan t’ien and remaining relaxed and present are as applicable to moving through life as they are to moving in TCC. In time, if we allow it, the Chi will guide us impeccably – in class and through life, moment to moment to moment.