Not Too Little, Not Too Much

Nestled quietly in scenic Burlingame, California, amidst eucalyptus and ancient oaks, the stately Mercy Center was the site of the 2006 Northern California T’ai Chi Chih Intensive, May 5-8. Led by Teacher Trainer Pam Towne and hosted by Athene Mantle, nineteen serious students and teachers spent three-and-a-half days refining their movements and preparing for the fall Teacher Training.

Contrary to its name, the Intensive was not mercilessly intense; rather, it was delightfully sprinkled with good humor and camaraderie. The group hailed from areas as diverse as Arizona, Arkansas, northern and southern California. Joining the group the second day, Sandy McAlister imparted her valuable insights along with Pam, providing an unusual treat—both Teacher Trainers in the same workshop.

After a thorough review of basics, on the third day we divided into three groups led by Pam, Sandy, and Athene. The 16 women and three men gracefully received personal critiques, allowing breakthroughs and insights into the quality of their practice. Evenings allowed time for reflection, listening to the Justin Stone Speaks CD and watching the Interviews with Justin Stone video.

The cohesiveness of the group grew daily, and we rejoiced in each other’s growth. The group often wanted to “pull the wings off the butterfly” to better understand chi or the reasons for various aspects of the movements. But in keeping with Justin’s commitment to doing T’ai Chi Chih rather than analyzing it, Pam kept us from “staying in our heads,” When asked “How far?” or “How much?” about a movement, Pam would reply, “Not too little, not too much.” Soon she responded to similar questions by saying, “How much do you think you should do?” We would answer in unison: “Not too little, not too much.” This delightful refrain became our theme and a gentle reminder of the ease and simplicity of the T’ai Chi Chih way.

On the last day, we reflected on our experiences. This is some of what we had to say:

I was smug in the beginning, but smugness gave way to “aha!” and tears of joy.

I feel it in my bones. I came for rejuvenation and I found it.

After my injury, I stopped practicing. And now I’ve begun anew.

Being a member of a group is not usually comfortable for me, but this was wonderful.

Pam’s eagle eyes are so amazing; you’d catch me at the right moment and tell me what I needed to correct.

I found that delicious little point at the end of the weight shift. I didn’t know it was there and didn’t know that I didn’t know.

I was so happy to come to the Intensive, because I got all the 2006 TCC upgrades.

I came here thinking “It’s easy. I already know it.” I found that I had to relearn all the basics. It humbled and energized me.

There’s always more; that’s what keeps it interesting. Working with people and coordinating the event at the same time taught me a lot about myself.

I came in thinking I needed to work on the top, and I went out knowing I needed to work on the bottom. I had to get my stance in just the right place. The Justin right place!

There’s a time to think and a time not to think: just focus on the T’an Tien.

I’ve left the place of pass/fail forever. Some used to say, Loose lips sink ships. But we can say, Loose hips, and the chi grips!

I felt so disjointed during the Intensive—it seemed I couldn’t do anything right. Pam told me that I might be ready for a breakthrough. I was so happy on the third day when I felt “T’ai Chi Chih doing T’ai Chi Chih” for the first time!

With a fond farewell, we parted the last day – pleased and happy that we had known one another and learned so much. One teacher thought of a future when we might meet again – and with that hope in mind she wrote: “I’ll see you all in my dreams, swimming through heavy air.”