T’ai Chi Chih Teachers’ Training: Great Falls, October 1998

WOW, what a wonderful week it was in Great Falls, VA. The weather was perfect, the candidates were sincere and Ed’s teaching was impeccable. Although the Teachers’ Training was almost cancelled, I decided to have it with only six candidates (the minimum is usually eight) and now I know I made the right decision.

Watching four of my own students become teachers was a wonderful experience — almost like giving birth to quadruplets. Ed was very gentle with everyone and that was a great lesson for me to observe. All of the teachers, including myself, left with a wonderful feeling of gratitude toward Ed Altman, Justin Stone and Sharon Sirkis.

Not only did everyone get thorough instruction, but we had fun at the same time. Practicing on the overlook at Great Falls Park was the highlight of the week — it was absolutely breathtaking. Everyone stuck together and helped each other through the rough spots, showing much love and sincerity. The week was filled with open hearts, tears of joy, and a ton of inner strength. Congratulations to all six new teachers. I look forward to hosting another Teachers’ Training or T’ai Chi Chih event in the future.

– Dale Buchanan

* * *

Once again I had the opportunity to audit a teachers’ training. Things I remember:

Absolutely an incredible week!
Caring
Concern
Ready to go deeper into my practice
Excellent teaching by Ed — Thanks!
Dale, who made it all happen — Thanks!
In and out of the bathroom
Teacher candidates were a joy!
Attention to the soles of our feet
T’ai Chi Chih practice at Great Falls
Insights galore
One with the Crystal bowl
Nancy and Mark’s house!

– Sharon Sirkis, Auditor
Colombia, MD

Comments from the Great Falls Teachers’ Training

I first experienced a glimpse of the healing powers of movement ten years ago during a personal growth seminar. For months afterwards I tried to recreate that feeling by secluding myself in a room to dance or move freely but I was never able to get to that level again. Learning T’ai Chi Chih has taken me there and beyond. I will always be grateful to Dale Buchanan, my teacher, and to Ed Altman, who took me to the next level during my Teacher’s Training. To move freely through very heavy air is the greatest joy.

P.S. Thank you Sharon Sirkis for showing us the meaning of sincerity.

– Michelle Murray

One day Rocking Motion finally came together for me and I experienced the ineffable joy of floating.

I learned the only chi I get to keep from my practice is the chi I ground. If I do not ground the chi it dissipates through rising. Once the chi is grounded, I can choose how to use my chi, including allowing some to rise and bubble up.

On the fourth day as I was driving, I realized I have a “good heart,” and with that I began crying. By a “good heart” I meant one that is trustworthy. When I am in touch with my heart I can trust myself. I don’t have to look outside myself. Then I realized it’s like floating in T’ai Chi Chih — not something that happens often but something that can happen more often as I practice my T’ai Chi Chih. I cried a lot, some were tears of grief, some were tears of joy, and some were tears of gratitude . . .

– Virginia D. Mitchell

I’ve heard it said many times:

I came . . .
I came to . . .
I came to believe . . .

Now I understand.

– Linda R. Skuta