Teachers Supporting Each Other

Justin’s door was always open to teachers sincere about self-cultivation. He opened his home for meditation evenings. At T’ai Chi Chih (TCC) conferences he gave talks about the spiritual side of TCC and about spiritual practices around the world that influenced him.

We no longer have Justin to provide insight about these teachings, but we have his writings, and we have each other. Justin felt teachers of TCC should take it upon themselves to continue learning and deepening their understanding of the practice. Teachers have that opportunity each second Saturday of the month. Teachers gather on Zoom to share a practice which is followed by discussion of a specific topic. We question and respond, sharing our teaching experiences and understanding. Teachers also enjoy visiting with each other. At the September gathering we discussed polarity in TCC. In October we shared handouts we use in class. What follows is some of what transpired:

During our discussion on polarity, we shared how we explain and teach it, along with general polarity versus TCC polarity. The latter is when the hands/palms face each other. We explored where in our movements we experience polarity and the movements Justin designed to have polarity (Bird Flaps Its Wings, Around the Platter Variation, Bass Drum, Carry the Ball to the Side, Daughter on the Mountaintop, Daughter in the Valley, all four “Taffies,” Light at the Top of the Head/Light at the Temple). There may be brief moments at other times when the palms face each other — e.g., when they turn over in transition at the top of Joyous Breath or turning over to descend in Rocking Motion — but we do not teach this as a time of TCC polarity.

The broader our understanding of polarity the easier it is to apply it to our TCC practice and the more meaningful it will be. I Googled polarity and found three quotations to spark our discussion. I especially like the last one. You may find it helpful to do your own search. If you find something that might be helpful to others, please share it in a Vital Force article. This is how we help each other to grow as teachers and students of TCC.

The Yin/Yang Polarity Theory is a scientific term describing the energies that make up matter and antimatter. It is said that each and every piece of matter and antimatter in the universe is composed of 2 polarities, one positive and one negative. — no author cited

Polarity is a term used when we discuss the basic divisions of reality. Basic categories or qualities of existence. Opposites that exchange in a complementary and nourishing way. A rhythmic back and forth of primordial essences that make up reality and create the dance of consciousness. — Sister Satsuma

We shouldn’t regard yin and yang principles as adversaries. Rather, they are forces that exchange equally to create both transformation and homeostasis in the universe. — Sister Satsuma

In October we talked about class handouts and ways to share information with students. One teacher writes principles and reminders on index cards attached to a ribbon, which is eye catching and easy for storage. Others share a few pages with brief descriptions of each movement to support students practicing at home. Another has a sheet with movements and principles. Someone has compiled a binder for students to peruse and makes copies if asked. Another teacher shared a page with objects representing each movement, such as a platter, drum, bird, etc. Some teachers use charts and suggest that students take pictures with their phones, to remain eco-friendly. Stick figures by teacher Evangeline Bratt are also useful. All are found on tcccommunity.net/resources.

Another benefit of gathering is to ask questions, to get clarity on a movement or a teaching situation. Someone asked about Cosmic Consciousness Pose and several teachers shared: gently roll the shoulders back as the hands/arms rise into position; generally wrists, elbows and shoulders are on the same plane but students may need to adapt for their own ability; examine your alignment after getting into position; do not disengage or engage with the world around you; integrate the inner and outer awareness; allow yourself to be heavy rather than try to ground yourself; sink without anticipating going up.

I invite all teachers to join each other every second Saturday on Zoom (9am Pacific Time). It provides an opportunity to support each other in our teaching and personal growth. I always learn something useful to enhance my teaching. And it is delightful to hear the fresh perspective that new teachers bring to the table. The Zoom session link is found on the Facebook teacher circle page. If you do not use Facebook, contact someone who does. The gatherings offer smiles and laughter, a joyful practice, and a great way to share our gifts.