Musings About Teaching & Connecting, by Deb Bertelsen (February 2015)

Teaching TCC: Why do you do it?

Family, friends, religious beliefs, education and work experiences shape us. We are impacted by the life lessons, sage advice and wisdom of others. Our T’ai Chi Chih community is not about our job titles, salaries, or whom we know. Rather, it is about who we are as individuals and what we leave as footprints – whether in the present moment, or at some undefined future point in time. The people I have met along my path as a student and teacher have had a significant impact on me personally and professionally. If I can impact someone’s life in any way through teaching TCC, then I am a better person for it. It is important for teaching to be a part of my legacy.

What does it mean to you to teach TCC? What do you think you’re giving to others and what do you get?

Whether we are conscious of it or not, TCC has allowed us to learn from and teach one another lessons about letting go, ego, humility, compassion, mindfulness, support, love and inner sincerity. When in the presence of others, we never truly know the full impact we might have; neither are we aware of the unexpected gifts we might receive. Each of us has talents, skills and abilities, some of which are hidden and untapped, just waiting for the right opportunity. Each of these moments is a gift to give; someone unknowingly is waiting to receive. Oftentimes, hindsight provides us with insight on gifts given. Occasionally, we have the foresight to know what we might give. Teaching TCC allows foresight. Individually, we have each gained so much from Justin’s teachings and the practice itself.

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

Personally, I stay active in my local, as well as in the greater, TCC community. I am committed to continuing to teach, guide and give back any way possible through the skills, talents and abilities I have to offer. It is part of paying it forward. Being passionate, genuine and coming from a place of sincerity and integrity is important to me. I believe my students, teachers and friends in the community know this is a part of who I am. As a result, I make the classes and practice sessions a calm, non-judgmental learning experience.

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?

I absolutely think this is critical to the future of TCC. However, first and foremost, I am committed to making certain the journey toward accreditation is one of authenticity and integrity. Oftentimes we see the teacher in the student long before he or she is aware. We want to nurture and guide them in the right way. In conversations with other teachers around the country, we share a common desire to develop the teaching community from the foundation up. We want to assist in establishing protocols or guidelines that will help primary and secondary teachers be the right type of support for these potential candidates – and for candidates to receive the right type of learning experience.

What are the best ways (that you’ve found, for you personally) to move qualified students toward teacher accreditation?

In Minnesota we developed the “Accreditation Journey Framework” that has been a wonderful guideline to follow. It allows candidates an established path to follow toward an end result. It has been very successful. For the candidates, working with both primary and secondary teachers, being in the classroom, in groups and one-on-one instruction has been invaluable.

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

Staying connected is like having a second family. We have been brought together for a purpose – one greater than each of us as individuals can accomplish. There is great wisdom and knowledge from all those who have walked this path before me. I view myself as a student of and for life, and I therefore want to learn from others.

What are the main ways you connect with them? Are these effective and enough? Do you wish there were other ways?

My main connections are through emails and telephone. I’ve been on a few conference calls, and those are great. I would love to see something like the Good Karma Publishing marketing conference session on other topics. Maybe video conferencing?

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

Divorce and rheumatoid arthritis brought me to TCC. What this non-medical moving mediation has done for me physically, emotionally and spiritually is amazing. I am so grateful to those who taught me, continue to teach me and to those whose path has crossed with mine.