November 2021 Teacher Accreditation with Pam Towne

The fourth Zoom teacher accreditation just finished and once again, I am amazed and humbled by the way the Chi works its intricate and precise magic. The cohesiveness of this group was apparent from the get-go and became stronger as we went deeper into the process. We have ten new T’ai Chi Chih Teachers from CA, DE, MN, NY, FL and OH joining our TCC family. Their mission statements and personal experiences below were shared during graduation.

Mission Statements & Why Teach TCC?

To connect others with the healing benefits of TCC for the greater good. — Patricia Mowlavi (taichichih.org/teacher/patricia-mowlavi)

To practice and teach TCC for well-being and peace. — Jan Walker (taichichih.org/teacher/jan-walker)

To enhance the health and well-being of seniors in the local community through teaching TCC, so that they may maintain their independence and enjoy full lives with joy and peace. — Bianca Lee (taichichih.org/teacher/bianca-lee)

To dedicate myself to a regular, personal practice of TCC, cultivating Chi, and fostering inner wisdom and spirituality to guide me to opportunities to share the gift of TCC. — Paula Haraldson (taichichih.org/teacher/paula-haraldson)

To age gracefully with TCC and continue my own TCC journey while giving back to society by sharing with seniors so they may age gracefully, with improved general well-being and increased confidence in themselves for whatever they pursue. — Steve Geer (taichichih.org/teacher/steve-geer)

To feel the joy, share the Chi, spread peace, feel the love around the world, one T’ai Chi step at a time. — Linda Finlan (taichichih.org/teacher/linda-finlan)

To grow in my understanding and practice of TCC and to share its gifts with others. — Joanne Howell (taichichih.org/teacher/joanne-howell)

To help others find the peace, serenity, and healing power that lies within the center of our being, and to promote overall healthy aging. There is hurt and pain in the world and I will share a way to ease some suffering. — Michelle Crow (taichichih.org/teacher/michelle-crow)

To bring peace and balance to parents with babies, young children, and school-aged children or whoever else finds their way into my class. — Kristine Zalen (taichichih.org/teacher/kristine-zalen)

To continually deepen my practice of TCC. “Before giving water, make sure you have water to give.” To share the practice with caregivers and patients in a healthcare setting. — Sally Sherwin (taichichih.org/teacher/sally-sherwin)

New Teacher Musings

I did not realize how much tension I was carrying with me that ultimately interfered with my TCC practice. During the week, I was given the gift of letting go of past hurts. Through this process of forgiveness, I finally began moving with softness. At the end, I received that in my TCC practice and in the life decisions I have made as well. Several dreams the night before graduation confirmed that I am in a very different place mentally, emotionally, and spiritually than one week ago. — Michelle Crow

Our Five Gold Rings

As each new teacher expressed deeply personal enlightenments, everyone nodded their head in agreement and support. But how to explain this to non-teachers in the TCC community, and friends and family not familiar with TCC?

This process was our Olympic experience. We came from different backgrounds, and even cultures, and worked hard to arrive at this point in our journeys. We trained extensively, came together in our Olympic village (via Zoom), shared stories, supported each other, and celebrated each other. There were no competitions (no ego), which allowed us to be fully present in this transformational experience. On the final day, we locked arms to celebrate our graduations, stood proudly, beamed with gratitude for our teachers and Justin Stone, and bid heartfelt farewells, knowing we would forever be bonded along our TCC journeys. — Steve Geer

What did this week mean to me?

This week marks the completion of a goal set in January of 2021. On New Year’s Day I always reflect on the previous year: 2020 was one to remember. I made a list of 21 things to nourish my spirit and that would be fun in 2021. Host a dinner party with at least six people, kayak, make and share prints from old slides, and teach TCC. (That had a star next to it.)

I didn’t know at the time that my husband of 47 years would pass away unexpectedly in late April. I cancelled plans for the April intensive and began a different journey. Practicing TCC became important for coping with grief and uncertainty. With guidance and support from my TCC teachers, I completed the requirements for accreditation.

Accreditation week had challenges and breakthroughs, breakdowns, and growth. It deepened my understanding of TCC and touched my heart in unanticipated ways. My practice strengthened and softened, and I’ve come to believe it will always be part of my life. — Joanne Howell

I developed a profound appreciation for the supporting nature and wisdom of the Chi; value of silence, transitions, and grounding in stability; and feeling and hearing the Chi as we know truth and grow in wisdom. — Patricia Mowlavi

One of my favorite quotations from Justin Stone is, “Nothing is in a state of Being; everything is in a state of Becoming.” The TCC journey is all about becoming. I’ve been a teacher of other mind-body practices for a long time and starting over as a student requires a real shift in experience. I had to remember how to become an empty cup, and how to let go of self-consciousness, fear of failure, and the inner judging voice. Other fixed beliefs emerged that were not “becoming,” and I gained a deeper experience in letting go of effort, even while learning new skills and attempting to perfect the moves. — Sally Sherwin

There was so much to learn about TCC before going to accreditation. I anticipated the accreditation to be the culmination and goal of a year of preparation that once completed would mark the end of the process. Instead, I found that it is merely the beginning of a lifelong journey of learning and teaching. While I look forward to the journey, I know where my feet are and where I stand in the present moment. — Kristine Zalen

Was I well enough prepared? Listen to the prajna my classmates said. I worried it might be beyond my grasp. Follow the Chi they said. I moved forward feeling the essence of TCC within and all around me. I was rooted in awareness as I moved, learned, shared, and deepened my practice. What a week. The collective wisdom and insight will remain with me. On the final day, there I was, like being zoomed into a breakout room, sent into the world to share Justin’s gift of TCC. — Jan Walker

One of the first things Pam Towne said with enthusiasm was, “You will be transformed.” It took my breath away. I felt challenged, excited, vulnerable. And I knew I was where I was supposed to be. I immediately felt the dedication from the teachers and auditors. I now have a better understanding of the tan t’ien, which has enhanced my flow of Chi. Being on Zoom had its challenges. The camaraderie and acceptance kept me motivated. I was especially moved by the expressions on their faces and the loving constructive feedback. What struck me the most was the gentle persistence to go deeper and deeper into the movements. The effects of TCC are cumulative and I now realize it’s only the beginning of my journey. — Linda M Finlan