Newly-accredited teachers respond to Edmonton, AB Teacher Training Course

Hello, Vital Force. I have a T’ai Chi Chih story to share. I am a brand new T’ai Chi Chih Instructor from the recent (May 2000) Edmonton, Alberta training. Anthea Lee from Edmonton is my instructor. My story is about a recent job interview held a few weeks after the training. About an hour before my scheduled time I did a full set of T’ai Chi Chih and took the interview feeling relaxed and composed. I knew I had done ok but the feedback was amazing. Apparently I really aced it. One of the panel members said she would talk to me next time she was to do an interview. My new manager (yes, I was offered the position and accepted) said what struck him was my being so ‘grounded.’ I know for sure that this was T’ai Chi Chih doing its thing. Ed Altman: ya did good! Thank you, I’m very grateful.

– Garret Tayler

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Greetings from Marilyn to Ed, Pam, Don, and all my other dear friends in the T’ai Chi Chih community. How did T’ai Chi Chih teacher accreditation change me and the other students who attended the training? I can only speak for myself when I say that I am more joyful than ever before. I attribute this to the stimulating discussions and lectures led by Ed, and to the mindfulness and concentration which were felt during our daily practices. The opportunity to enter into the cosmic rhythm was profound.

As an aside, I began thinking about any undesirable old habit patterns I might be carrying around. I decided by the end of the week that I could be more joyful still if I would let old habit patterns that plagued me at times (such as worry, anxiety, and yes, even anger, flare-ups) drop away. I am learning to let them go—it’s wonderful!

In closing, again and again, I ask the same question, “How did T’ai Chi Chih teacher accreditation week change me?” and I answer myself…”I can truly say that I felt that not my body, but ME, was sharing a life with the cosmic universe.”

– Marilyn Wilson