TCC, Time for Oneself

After accreditation at Alameda this past June, I set out for Deming, New Mexico with hugs, inspirations, and a full stomach. My thoughts were about conducting the TCC classes at the Deming Senior Center. Over one year of planning and preparation have gone into bringing this to fruition. Now it is to happen.

In mid August, a chance conversation at Western New Mexico University led to a contract to teach TCC for their Elderhostel programs in April and May of next year. Later in September arrangements fell into place to teach TCC through the Continuing Education Program at the WNMU Mimbres Center in Deming…..We are at the fourth class and I plan to use the video for a twenty minute review of movements learned to date. This introduces students to the video and permits individual instruction. The teaching guide is excellent for review and reminders on the day of class.

At the Senior Center, TCC meets for thirty minutes as a drop in, no fee class. Attendance varies but TCC is taking root and I am optimistic regarding progress. The senior citizens have a combination of physical limitations, health concerns, and a desire for love and communication. A smile, peaceful music, and TCC bring them to little delights and discoveries. Some are unable to stand for long. They sit or lean against a table and follow the movements.

(As a teacher I need information regarding instruction beyond beginning TCC, as well as teaching the seated variation.)

In the Spring there will be TCC in the Park. Talks to community groups regarding TCC and classes will improve enrollments.

Student questions are related to movements for the most part. Religion and martial arts have not been mentioned. The response that TCC enhances all other activities seems to satisfy. Students accept the movements pretty much for what they are, that is TCC.

The primary need of the Thursday and Saturday class members who are professional people, seems to be stress reduction. They respond to peaceful music and the softness and continuity of the practice. Each class has two men in addition to myself.

TCC support materials are offered by display of cassettes, texts and videos with a sign-up (order) sheet available. Two visits to Sandy McAlister’s TCC classes in Alameda, CA helped me to feel comfortable at the very outset of classes here. Printed handouts are duplicated by WNMU at my request.

‘Time for oneself’, is a suggestion which seems to reach all students. When life is pressing and there just isn’t enough time in the day, the easiest thing to give up is ‘Time for oneself.’ The students nod in agreement to this. They have perhaps experienced this in their lives. The students accept that allowing ‘Time for oneself’ to practice TCC each day is an act of love. Ten or fifteen minutes of TCC acknowledges one’s being and all creation. This acknowledgement puts down rich soil in which to root oneself. The students understand and accept this.

Fellow TCC teachers, knowing you as like-minded individuals in the flow toward balance and harmony gives me great joy.