Teh, the Power of Inner Sincerity

Albuquerque, New Mexico, November 2013

By Adabelle Rychtarik, Simpsonville, South Carolina

I began studying T’ai Chi Chih in 2008 and knew in a short time that I wanted to teach and share this discipline. I was fortunate, in our move to South Carolina, to find a wonderful teacher waiting. Three years studying with Vicki Schroeder has shown me what I experienced again in Albuquerque during teacher training: teh, the power of inner sincerity. It showed through each attending student, Pam Towne (our trainer for the week), the auditing teachers, and everyone at the TCC center. All helped guide us through our daily practice and the accreditation process – allowing us to fulfill our dreams of becoming teachers.

Several teachers arrived for our early morning practice, sharing their time, knowledge, and love of TCC and Justin. It allowed us to grow, deepen our practice, feel each movement, flow from the tan t’ien and, as Dora said, “come home.” We learned how to stay grounded for ourselves and for our students. We learned how to teach, what to look for in our students, and how to mirror each movement. We became more aware and present as we deepened our practice and moved forward, both as students and in our new roles as teachers.

My teacher said this would be a special week. No words can adequately express the gratitude I felt in seeing the film of Justin at Folsom Prison (at age 82), his compassion, sharing this gift he left for each of us. TCC is now our gift as new teachers to share with our students. Thank you Justin.