Teacher renewal & training held in CA

May 5 – 12, 2001

By Pam Towne, Course Host

On Saturday before the Teacher Training, 12 Southern California teachers (plus one from Arizona) gathered for a day of Renewal on May 5th. Led by Ed Altman & hosted by Pam Towne, this special workshop offered an opportunity to deepen our practice of T’ai Chi Chih, to better understand the principles of circulating and balancing the Chi, and to connect with other teachers in the area.

Ed continually invited us to FEEL the weight shifting slowly & gradually in the soles of the feet…to FEEL what the Chi is doing (expanding, contracting)…to soften the knees…to let go of tension. We all agreed it was a very valuable day…and highly recommend it to teachers in other areas!

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With an empowering and introspective tone set for the week, eight teacher candidates embarked on the transformative process of Teacher Training, May 7-12. This was the first T’ai Chi Chih teacher accreditation course in 2001, and the first to use the newly revised Teachers’ Training Manual. The new manual is available to already accredited teachers who audit a Teacher Training course.

Ed emphasized the principles of how to move: flowing from the center, which is the result of alignment of the spine, correct & stable stance, shifting the weight properly and releasing tension throughout the body.

The candidates’ sincerity, commitment and willingness to examine every aspect of their practice led to personal breakthroughs. Two of the candidates had farther to go with integrating changes in how they move, and they received deferred accreditations.

Auditing teachers commented on how much they learned which served to enhance their practice…inspire their teaching…and deepen their appreciation for the unlimited depths of T’ai Chi Chih! Many thanks to Ed for a successful training…and for embodying the principles of T’ai Chi Chih!

Attendees Comment

Ed’s wholeheartedness was an inspiration to let go of the struggle and flow from the center. A grateful thank you to Pam, who hosted the Teacher Training with impeccability, allowing me to focus on being there.

– Lois Arrigotti

T’ai Chi Chih Teacher Training was a very stressful, yet profound experience for me. I return home with renewed energy, and determination to continue to discover the depths and effects of T’ai Chi Chih daily practice.

– Sr. Corita Keane, R.S.M.

What was the Fullerton Teachers Training like this May? Best to describe the aftermath. To me it seems like my life is now SO full…I feel rich beyond measure…I must get rid of some of this clutter…no hurry though, no one is hurried here…no one is driving me to hurry….I do notice a bit of greediness, a new enlarged appetite for laughter and joy…probably never to be satisfied….

Sincere thanks to Justin F. Stone and to the entire T’ai Chi Chih community, past and present, for enabling me to be in this state.

– Bev Geiger

The immersion process of the Teacher Accreditation is a continual surrendering to the flow of the Chi. I am deeply grateful for the privilege to participate in this joyful practice.

– Barbara Lippert

It was an unfolding. I have now begun to feel what Justin meant when he said that we all live one life.

– Linden Royce

Second Time Around

It is said that, “Love is lovelier the second time around.” Well, taking the TCC teachers’ training certainly is too. Having been accredited two years ago in a church in nearby Fullerton, I was excited to be able to audit the recent training held in the same location. While I have very fond memories of the original training experience, the nervous tension and the fear of not “passing,” played a heavy role in not allowing me to truly “let go” and enjoy it. During this training, I was able to relax and “connect with” much more of what was presented, and it was also very rewarding to be a part of helping and encouraging the teacher candidates. If you are an accredited teacher, don’t miss this valuable experience next time it is offered in your area. It will deepen your practice, enhance your teaching skills and it’s truly “joyful.”

– Suzy Hazard