The Gift of Teaching and Sharing TCC

I am amazed by the many gifts T’ai Chi Chih brings with each class and every student. I’m also blessed to guide serious students dedicated to becoming TCC teachers through the accreditation process.

Since becoming an accredited teacher myself in 1994, my TCC journey has grown for the better. Yes, there have been ups and downs, but that’s life. TCC hasn’t changed; we have. I embrace it all with love and compassion, even though I may not understand it all. I don’t have to.

I just keep doing what I know best: practicing TCC and teaching it to the best of my ability. Every time I teach and share what I know that day, I’m excited because I never teach the same class exactly the same way. My cues and verbiage change, my movement deepens, and I’m present with my class/student. I hope that they receive even more from doing TCC than I have.

Each person comes to TCC with different needs, limitations and wants. We all desire balance and that comes with practice. We also receive what I call “bonus blessings.” I’m calm, relaxed, and at peace with myself and others, for example. I embrace life no matter what comes my way, can accept people just where they are, can forgive and love more deeply. My blood pressure is lower and my headaches are gone.

My teachers and all the wonderful people I’ve met through TCC have taught me many lessons. Linda Braga helped me establish classes when I first started teaching, for example. The TCC teachers’ manual also was helpful, as were all of the products Linda has shared over the years. I’ve used them with students and also as tools to help me grow, learn and deepen my understanding of TCC and who I am in it all.

The practice of using transformational language is a tool and a gift I’d like to share with other teachers. How we speak shapes how we cue and relate to our students/teacher.

By using transformational language, we can offer support and nurturing to others. This way of speaking is based on five principles. The language is:

1. Inclusive: Using words like “we’re,” “let’s,” and “our.”

2. Action-oriented (“ing”): As in “noticing” how we’re feeling. (A teacher could invite students to come up with “ing” words that relate to TCC principles.)

3. Positive/Affirmative: Letting go of judgment. Allowing ourselves to be present in body, mind and spirit.

4. Process-oriented: Telling students that “You’re moving just like you’re supposed to be moving today. Remember: it’s TCC practice, not TCC perfect.”

5. Awareness-oriented: We can remind students to check in with their bodies – relax their wrists, settle into the soles of their feet, rest, take a breath, be exactly where they are.

I encourage both new and seasoned teachers to try using transformational language in your classes. I hope it brings freshness to your teaching experience as you grow and deepen on your TCC journey. Here’s to joyful movement.