Teacher Accreditation Q&A

In what way has your training [this November 2011] caused you deeper insight into the T’ai Chi Chih movements?

Simply enough, with patient coaching and correction, it’s the small or little changes which continue to deepen my insights into the TCC movements. – Bruce Childs

All aspects of the training allowed me to respect the depth of stillness more fully. So in learning more about the movements, I understood more of the vital importance of the stillness between movements. – Dianna Ristenpart

By being corrected in the physical realm, I believe the spiritual realm now can make corrections more easily. – Maureen English

It is the cumulative effect of all of the (prior) training, breaking moves apart, critique and practice (with observation). It is a wonderful laboratory for growth. – Bonnie Cundiff

It’s all in the weight shift. On some level, I always knew this, and I’m sure my teachers told me it a thousand times. But sometimes you need someone to tell you something 1,001 times to get it right. I think that the teacher training has really reinforced all of those principles upon which TCC is based and has helped me to focus on the things that really matter in each movement. (Or so I hope.) – Kesha Hietala

A focus on the tan t’ien; lots of technique input; feeling a deep sense of grounding by letting the Chi sink into the soles of my feet. – Michael O’Connor

I came here feeling I was being dismantled on several fronts. The insight I got during this week from the movements was that they are gentle and supportive on many levels. During this week, I felt trust in the movements and what they will teach me. I also felt raw, sensitive, humbled by the process and love and grateful for the gift. – Leslie Coffaro

Describe a meaningful event during your training.

I was concerned about how well prepared I might be for the presentation. What I couldn’t anticipate was the connection between the letting go and trusting of the flow of positive energy in my practice. The presentation went on without fear. – Bruce C.

I learned a wonderful approach to teaching from Julie Heryet in which she allowed the student to find the answer herself. Instead of telling the student how to correct the movement, Julie said something like, “How does your arm feel? How does it feel when you make the movement large? How does it feel when you make the movement small? Where does your arm feel relaxed?” This approach allows a student to experience herself what might be incorrect and be able to correct it. – Diana R.

When I gave my presentation the Chi showed up in a big way. This was affirming, as it said, “Hold the Path.” – Maureen E.

I felt less prepared for the presentation than I would have liked, but Robert stopped by at lunch to remind me, “The Chi will take care of everything,” and he was right. – Bonnie C.

I was so happy when I walked up to get my diploma, as was everyone. There was such a nice feeling in the room. I have never in my life met such a kind and gentle group of people, and I hope that we all become excellent teachers who can pass along softness to our students. – Kesha H.

Spectacular morning practice with the T’an Tien leading, without use of hands for 2 reps. Justin’s movie at Folsom Prison demonstrates his love for “All of Us” – Michael O.

I really enjoyed working with the teachers who came to audit. – Leslie C.

PYRAMID POEMS from our newest teachers

one

touch of

whispered joy

in silent hues

soft and still

presence

speaks

– Diana R.

eyes

of time

eyes that blink

at the edge of

the abyss

kneel in

awe

– Diana R.

meet

meeting

the people

and what people

you will find

always

here

– Anon

calm

can come

when one is

patient and still

and then the

fullness

bursts

– Bonnie C.

want

again

try to stay

grounded (down) but

it comes when

I don’t

try

– Kesha H.

the

teachers

teach, students

learn how to

move the

Chi

– Michael O.