The Gift of Teaching

Joanne Sultar, Berkeley, CA

T’ai Chi Chih is a blessing in my life that continues to blossom. I finally sat down to write and immediately the phone rang and I was asked for a brief description for the demonstration I am preparing for the Berkeley Recovery Center in December. The call felt like an affirmation–as in Yes, this really IS happening in my life.

I have been teaching a Saturday morning class in the school yard in my neighborhood since February. This class works on a drop-in basis with the understanding that it’s “back to basics” whenever anyone new begins. It’s been joyous beginning the weekend in this way. The class has attracted seniors who live in retirement apartments nearby. They are enthused about the T’ai Chi Chih demonstrations we’ve scheduled in their building and hope that their neighbors will become involved in a weekday class at that site.

I am also teaching in Alameda through their Parks and Recreation Department. This class is a continual source of inspiration to me. Last night was our fourth session (out of eight). One woman told me at the second session that after one week’s worth of practice, she had more energy than in the last five years. She has had chronic fatigue syndrome and said she was a little cynical about it really being possible that she could have more energy, but each week she is less cynical and more enthused. Last night she said she was amazed at the combination of feeling calmer and having more energy at the same time!

Another woman approached me after class last night. I had been watching her and felt bathed in the joy she exudes while doing the movements. She admitted she was so delighted with this new gift in her life. She has been a yoga student for years but hadn’t been able to practice most postures for five months due to some injury. She is so grateful to find Tai Chi Chih now and is amazed at how it immediately centers her energy.

This is so humbling, or I am humble in my gratefulness. The class is a prayer for me that I continue to grow and be worthy of this gift of teaching Tai Chi Chih. I have been teaching one thing or another for 27+ years. My priorities in addition to conveying the material include creating a relaxed and friendly group dynamic. A background in drama therapy has enriched my ability to lighten things up so people don’t get overly serious or stressed in learning relaxation! Last night people paired up and gave each other feedback about some common errors to avoid in the movements (you know the ones!) While this was going on, I went around the room and intervened giving additional feedback. It seemed to work very well, got students to talk to each other about basic principles of the movement, and, as usual, some students were able to help others more in that one-to-one situation than I was able to in the large group.

Thank you dear readers for your own contributions to Tai Chi Chih and The Vital Force. Thank you, Liz, for encouraging me to write. Blessings to all.