Teach & They Will Come

When summer temperatures reach 110 to 115 degrees in Phoenix, why would people want to leave air-conditioned homes or offices to attend a T’ai Chi Chih class? They come to see if TCC will help them deal with the stress of cancer treatments or balance problems. Some are caregivers coming with their loved one, or for their own needs. They come to learn “those movements I see people in China doing.” When I first became a student, the peaceful, soft meditative movements filled me with joy and peace. That was all I wanted; it was never my plan to teach. My teacher kept suggesting it, but I wasn’t interested in the responsibilities. When we release ego and accept guidance, we begin to walk the path. This one kept bringing me back to a commitment to teach.

Teaching an open-ended class at The Wellness Community in Phoenix for eight years has allowed me to meet wonderful people. In the beginning, we often only had one or two people in class (especially in the summer). I wondered if it was worth the gas. Whenever I doubted, the next class would have more people or someone with a very special reason for attending. For eight years I have donated my time here and at the Veterans Hospital. I’ve learned to trust that we are lead where we are needed to share the benefits of TCC.

The yin and yang of the universe brings happy moments and sad times. When dealing with sad days, I remember a special friend who came to class for two years. Nearing the end of his illness, when he became too weak to do the movements, his wife brought him to class anyway. When he sat during practice, he felt the energy and love, which helped him feel at peace. As Edna Massimilla says, “Let us be aware a stranger oft may be an angel with a message meant for you or me.” As long as we continue to teach classes with the pureness of heart and love that Justin intended, students will come to learn.