Show and Tell

I have often felt something nag at me when I finish teaching my last class. Somehow it just seems too abrupt launching into Porky Pig mode – “Well that’s all folks!” Then it occurred to me that I could bring the group together in a fun and creative way, and at the same time get a feel for their experience in the class. I ask each student to think about what they’ve gained from T’ai Chi Chih, and to bring in an item that best symbolizes this. We then sit in a circle, and each student takes a turn to show and tell about their chosen item. It’s always fascinating! Here are some examples:

1. Hammer & nails “for the foundation T’ai Chi Chih has given me”

2. Camera lens “I gained a new perspective looking out & looking back in”

3. Origami crane “because T’ai Chi Chih has helped me relax and gain a sense of balance and tranquility, just like a crane”

4. Teddy bear “at night I get to sleep much faster, and I don’t have as many nightmares as I used to”

5. Small barbell & Angel pin “I feel physically stronger and also a little stronger emotionally”

6. Dictionary “I’m open to learning new stuff”

7. Bubble wrap “soft as air, and fun too!”

8. Mirror “T’ai Chi Chih has made me take a look at myself”

9. Book “I am more focused and can concentrate on my reading more”

10. Turtle “I move much slower now”

11. Buddha head “T’ai Chi Chih has given me peace of mind, and my zazen practice which had been suffering, has been given the lift it needed.”

12. Butterfly “I went through metamorphosis. I feel like I can control my mood swings and temper better, and I feel less stressed. I also appreciate the little things now.”

13. Sunglasses “things have been so dark lately, and now I can see the light at the end of the tunnel”

14. Velvet pants “the fluidity – it helps me smoothe and detangle my everyday life”

15. Car keys “It’s opened the door to my patience. I drive slower.”

16. Coffee “it gives me clarity of thought, and the moves energize me when I feel sluggish”

17. Clown figurine “I was more giddy than normal”

18. TV remote “this changes channels, and after class my mood changes from high-strung to calm”

19. Toy soap bubbles “I tend to fragment, and the bubbles are like the moves – flowing and soft, but all contained within a space”

20. Water spritzer bottle “it’s refreshing, and T’ai Chi Chih refreshes me”

21. Tiger balm “it’s helped me to release my anger”

22. Cat picture “The movements make me feel soft and graceful, something I couldn’t accomplish very well otherwise”

23. Fabric hot air balloon “When I do my T’ai Chi Chih, I feel like I’m soaring”

24. Lock & key “T’ai Chi Chih has unlocked a different world for me”

25. Plant “I feel rooted with T’ai Chi Chih”