TCC Teacher Retreat in Canada, May 19 to 22, 2006

The Providence Renewal Centre in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada provided a tranquil setting for the May 19 to 22, 2006 T’ai Chi Chih Teachers’ retreat facilitated by Sandy McAlister. The focus of this retreat was on teaching T’ai Chi Chih, and in addition, the group had time to focus on deepening one’s practice. This is the first time that a retreat focused on teaching TCC has been offered in Canada and the group was in for a wonderful treat. The group of 10 was small and intimate, providing an incredible opportunity to practice, refine, dialogue, and explore how to do TCC and how to effectively teach TCC.

Teachers from Alberta, Saskatchewan, and as far away as eastern Newfoundland came together to share the chi and their enthusiasm for practicing and teaching TCC. The following experiences and words reflect the quality and depth of the participant’s experiences:

“I found it very valuable to focus intensively on the art and mechanics of teaching TCC and supporting students in their movements and practice. Picking up tips from Sandy about getting students started and ‘over the hump’ in learning a more challenging movement, as well as getting a variety of ideas from other teachers, makes me excited about teaching my next class in a new way. At the same time, I gained significant insights into the movements for my own practice.”

– Louise Bureau

“It’s truly a LONG trip from Newfoundland to Edmonton, especially just for a four-day weekend, but I was irresistibly drawn, and it sure proved worth every kilometer, even holding the jet lag at bay. Given the blend of personal refinements, a deepening of my personal practice, the sharing of teaching tips and tidbits, and simply the luxury of being with Sandy and more of our Canadian teachers, I can think of no other place I would rather have spent the Victoria Day Weekend.

My personal practice is already richer, as is my teaching even this first week home as I write this. My students, too, are already richer for my having gone, as is our worldwide T’ai Chi Chih community and indeed our world as the effects ripple ever outward in blessing…my joy and gratitude profound!”

– Sheila Leonard

“Through the process of the retreat I had intense learning experiences that fundamentally altered my form and practice. I felt embarrassed at the recognition of some needed changes and clumsy in my first attempts to bring the adjustments into my body. But hey, these were small moments with no lasting concern. The chi pool is deep and swimming lessons help. Thanks to all present.”

– Garret B. Henley

“Sandy was a wonderful facilitator who made it fun and interesting. I’ve done TCC since 1986 and you taught me so many important things that I’d missed before.”

– Maureen Purves

“Sandy, I loved your input as to how to move and how to teach our students in better ways. We all appreciated your calmness and clarity, and your openness to hear our thoughts.”

– Gail Terriff

Thanks to Sandy “who sets the bar high and models clarity, economy of language, insight, humility, tact, confidence, respect, sensitivity, levity and above all, joy in her practice and teaching of T’ai Chi Chih.”

– unknown

We all experienced insights and awarenesses that continue to shift and change our practice and teaching of TCC. Rita Beth’s comments sum up this weekend experience “insightful, helpful and practical.”

In addition to the teachers working with Sandy, the afternoon practice on Sunday was open to all TCC students. It was enjoyable to have them practice with our group and then to share their perceptions of the experience with our group. Their thoughts and ideas added another dimension to a well-rounded experience. The students appreciated the opportunity to be invited and included in a part of our weekend retreat.

As we held our closing circle just prior to noon on Monday each person revisited the goals that were expressed at the beginning of the weekend. Each of us had our expectations addressed and much more beyond these expectations. The entire weekend had a beautiful flow, like a TCC practice session, how wonderful to experience the flow of chi on so many levels of one’s being. As closure was nearing, I looked at the beaming faces, and could see and feel the chi flowing all around and through us.

What a fantastic weekend. As my some of my First Nations friends say, “It makes my heart happy.” Thanks to all for showing up, for being present, and being involved with all of your being; your commitment and dedication to your practice and to your teaching shines brightly over our TCC community. Thanks to Justin Stone and to Sandy McAlister for supporting us in keeping this wonderful practice pure and true. What a gift we all have to share with the world!