TCC Teacher Accreditation

Rochester, Minnesota, October 2017

Compiled by Bonnie Sokolov, Course Host

I remember my own accreditation as if it was yesterday, even though it was 16 years ago. My life changed that week and I am forever grateful to those who shared it with me. When I agreed to host this course I had no idea what it entailed. I have hosted retreats and an Intensive but this was a lot more work than I expected. Every bit was well worth it.

It was a privilege to host this accreditation, watching Pam guide students into teachers; working with dedicated auditors; meeting candidates who will spread the joy of T’ai Chi Chih; listening to phenomenal presentations. Candidates worked hard, shared, supported one another and, in the end, all became accredited. How did participants feel? Read on.

This is a whole new experience. What a marvelous way to end this part of my journey of finding my teh. I let go more and start trusting myself thanks to the love, compassion and flowing of Chi from all who shared this wonderful, magical time. – Dana Cline, SC

There will always be something new to learn in my TCC Practice. That is a gift; it is ever evolving. – Anon

TCC is like Mom – softly, gently disciplining, correcting my bad habits with unconditional love. – Jamie Erickson, MN

I came to teacher accreditation with an empty cup but it wasn’t big enough. It overflowed with tips and tools; with laughter, tears and new friends; with the patience and skill of the leaders and auditors; and mostly with gratitude. Gems from Justin, pearls from Pam and baubles from Bonnie, strung together in a precious treasure meant to be shared. – Linda Minor, OR

TCC came to me, suddenly, because of suffering. Now I come to TCC because of Joy Through Movement. I learned grace, kindness, gentleness and compassion to share with those ready to embrace the unready. – Jungmin Lee, MN

I felt comfort as we progressed through practices and corrections – comfort knowing that each leader had confidence in our ability to guide new students into joy, Joy Thru Movement. – Lorel Maple, WI

Although I was a nervous wreck giving my presentation, I am glad I had to do it. The compassion, support, encouragement and loving kindness radiating from my classmates was palpable. I have never experienced anything like that before; that feeling of complete acceptance will stay with me forever. – Tracy Immordino, WI

It was easy to be a student of TCC: learn movements, reap benefits and bask in Chi. But to transform into a teacher… I didn’t know the changes in store, accomplishments followed by frustrations, the dread of a presentation and then the privilege of hearing everyone else’s. We all worked and practiced, and worked and practiced more. We were always supported and nurtured by Pam and her gracious and dedicated guidance; by auditors and their tireless patience and understanding; and by Bonnie and her inexhaustible attention to every detail. As I depart, some trepidation of the future is assuaged by the knowledge that I am still supported. I am part of a remarkable, incredible TCC community and I am humbled. – Julie Hygh, CO

My wife, Lorel, and I are driving to accreditation. I am anxious and a little fearful because even though my teachers have taught me well, my movements need improvement. I’m also excited to see distant friends and learn how to teach the practice that has benefited me in so many ways. At the end of Tuesday I’m mentally exhausted, but feel a warm glow because subtly moving the wrists enhances the Chi flow. I can especially feel the difference in the Pulling Taffy movements. It’s Friday and I’m working on the umpteenth change for my afternoon presentation. I keep thinking about my new, incredibly talented friends who have endured so many challenges to become teachers. We all made it to graduation! The joy and warmth are indescribable. I feel determination settling over me – a push to share this wonderful practice with others. – Jim Maple, WI

One intention this week was to expand my “circle of Chi” by meeting other teachers. I’ve learned TCC mostly at a distance since there have been no active teachers in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Although we were nervous, I was impressed by the presentations given. Almost every audience was covered – from church choir, cancer patients and care partners, to retirement community residents and retired special education teachers. Presentations were heartfelt, creative and professional. They incorporated an impressive variety of TCC movements, not just Bass Drum. I am so grateful for the gentle suggestions on moving and guidance on teaching. Since I had never taken TCC classes it was wonderful to hear from auditing teachers how to break down movements and what to say to guide new students. The best advice I heard was “keep it simple.” – Judy Kistler-Robinson, TX

7:15 AM – 9:00 PM for five days

We worked so hard

We dug deep

Bone tired

What seemed impossible –

Possible!

In stillness

The pulse of distant ocean waves

Here – a wildness

That will not be tamed

Living mirrors together

Reflect what is soft and small

Yet an expansive universe

Gratitude

Is enough.

– Anon

• Up and down, round and round, fear and trepidation melting and transforming in the presence of grace.

• The sweet, soft invitation on opening night to let go and let be, to simply come with an empty cup.

• Instant calm and easy courage can only emerge with this simple instruction: “Be present and receive.”

• Healing words spoken with love from a teacher with the widest smile, radiating the immense beauty of the universe and her own self.

• Sitting next to her, grounded and sure, with ocean blue eyes shining the diamond light, with arms extended in warm embrace, holding steadfast as tiny tears sneak out to be released.

• Encounter the mystery of CHI.

• This is just the beginning. – Dympna McConnell Radford, Ontario, Canada