TCC Accreditation

In Pennsylvania, June 2016

Compiled by April Leffler, Prospect Park, Pennsylvania

As the recent teacher-training course came to a graceful conclusion, we celebrated nine newly accredited teachers. As the course host, it is an honor to experience the whole process – from answering questions prior to registration, to picking up travelers at the airport, to witnessing candidates’ unfolding transformation. Many thanks also go to auditors who committed their time to be present. Below are musings from the new teachers.

* * * * *

My intention at the start of this accreditation week was to: be open to peace and joy; allow softness and continuity; be friends with my Chi and the Chi of each who is helping and hoping for growth; and be in balance of giving and receiving.

During the humbling first days, I let go of insecurity and expectation. All the countless hours of practice were represented in its raw reality. I let it be and accepted all that was offered in feedback. Then I discovered that my intention to make friends also applied to the Chi of each movement and I was finally able to make a fuller flowing connection with Carry the Ball to the Side. Making friends with this new favorite movement has softened all of my previous favorite movements. So I recommend learning to love the one movement that challenges you – to overcome the hidden blockage in your practice.

I am thankful for every minute of driving (including some great distances) to TCC classes; the extra months I gave myself to prepare for accreditation; the indoor and outdoor practices; the practices when I felt sick or healthy; the time studying Justin’s videos; the time reading and listening to Justin’s other sources; and (most of all) helpful clues from multiple teachers. All of it, it was all necessary beforehand.

Even so I arrived without a pre-set presentation. It percolated until the day it was done. The Chi flowed and I let it write itself in a succinct testimony of balance. This sounds idealistic but I am a scrappy-rewrite-it-again speechwriter so this seemed like a crazy miracle of spirit. I think my presentation ended up giving a glimpse of how TCC has brought balance to my life.

I completed accreditation full of joy and peace. I really can feel the bubbling springs beneath my feet, in my heart, head and soul. I am letting go of rigid control and allowing gentleness to flow in my knees and joints. I honor my core truth daily with more awareness than before I arrived.

Plus I met my tribe in the TCC community and you are absolutely wonderful. Looking forward to our next in person reunion.

– Janet Starr

* * * * *

It was surprising and enriching in ways I suspect will unfold little by little. When auditing teachers shared on the first day how much fun we would have, I was skeptical, my vashannas firmly in operation.

The breakdown came on the second day, with the first correction. The noise in my head began; I made a panicked call to my instructor for reassurance. Did I really belong here? Was I a worthy candidate?

Prajna comes (softly as it tends to), inviting me to trust and let go. And then suddenly it comes rushing in, surrounding me, connecting me, making me a part of it. I find warmth and laughter, joy and love, in everyone.

– Lauren Lormel

* * * * *

Everyone at our teacher accreditation was well prepared, committed to making this a special experience. It brought many moments of going deeper, moving from the center, flowing, feeling, filled with softness and continuity. Each person brought special gifts and was open and caring. The result was a powerful experience filled with energy and love. Thanks to Pam, April, the auditors and my fellow new teachers for making this time so special.

– Sarah Riley

* * * * *

The best word to describe the experience of being at the teacher accreditation course is “empowerment.” The approach Pam demonstrated to bring people to teach T’ai Chi Chih was founded in love and the knowledge of one life, one wisdom. Again and again Pam invited us to look and discover what was alive, awake and complete – embodied in the soft, ever-present and relaxed movements of the Chi. Any mistakes made were lovingly witnessed, noted as being useful and let go. As the week progressed a transformation arose in the energy field we were generating. Reactions of the mind began to fall away like rainwater running off a lotus flower. On the final evening all that was left to do was enjoy laughter as a family. I will never forget the moments of work, play, confusion, clarity and sheer enjoyment. And I will take them, as an accredited teacher of this wonderful, magical Chi practice, to share and empower others.

– David Parrish

* * * * *

I

am a

lovely

butterfly,

colorful,

newly

free.

I

am a

creature

transformed,

released to

broadly

fly.

I am on a journey to find the Chi;

Its color is lavender-blue.

Its scent is frankincense

Its form is the universe
Its path is light
Its breath is life itself –

a gift.

– Teresa Franklin