Reflections on the First Few Years of Teaching

Since becoming accredited to teach in December 2022, I have been slowly increasing student numbers for two classes in our Village Hall. Marketing and advertising are not my strengths, so it has been a good learning experience. Realizing students come and go due to life events, classes are sometimes full and sometimes half full. So, I learn it is best to increase the numbers all the time. Earlier, doing a class on my own in the Village Hall was extremely pleasant but not quite the point.

At the end of each class, it always amazes me that everyone laughs with delight, and we feel for each other a strong loving kindness. Everyone arrives so pleased to see each other; one person thanked me for bringing them all together. Of course, it T’ai Chi Chih (TCC), not me, as these moments are already set and cannot be anything else. However, on a human level the ego finds it very gratifying.

TCC shows us all the path to be more conscious with our actions. It is interesting to see those who are willing to let go and listen from within and others who cannot give up control and find TCC is not for them. To consciously turn anxiety to possibility is a wonderful way to walk this life. Another student observed that my confidence in leading the classes has grown in the last two years. It is true and we laugh together. The bubbling spring ripples around us.

To share TCC is a privilege. Gratefully we experience the tan t’ien leading us ever more deeply in the movements. The effect on our daily living becomes more fascinating as we react more consciously and positively. Negative moments reveal good possibilities to listen to the wisdom and deep laughter from within.