The Gift That Keeps on Giving Internationally

It has been a privilege to travel to other countries to share and practice T’ai Chi Chih (TCC). My first international TCC experience was in Banff, Canada for the 2003 Teacher Conference. The beauty of the land and kindness of the people are fondly etched in memory. The Chi surrounded us like the immense Canadian Rockies.

In 2024, I flew to England and was heartily welcomed. We enjoyed camaraderie with teachers and their students during a daylong workshop and spent countless hours (and cups of tea) getting to know the teachers in their homes, classes, and while touring spectacular places.

The adventure immediately continued to Italy with four English teachers in tow. Joined by two teachers from Amsterdam and one from Germany, we were welcomed with warmth and openness by a dozen Italians. We shared a weekend of practicing and refining TCC, interspersed with regional delicacies on the properties of our generous host. In spite of some language barriers, it became obvious that the Chi is universal in its connection to all beings. Smiles and laughter are understood and felt by everyone.

The most recent international TCC opportunity was to support Beverly Miles, the only TCC teacher in Belize. Fellow teachers Lorraine Lepine, Dorian Tippet, Lisa Stroyan and I answered the call. We practiced with Beverly’s students as well as locals who hadn’t seen TCC before. We introduced TCC’s potential benefits to the mayor and about twenty others at the inauguration of Beverly’s open-air TCC platform. Afterwards, we enjoyed a Belizean BBQ and camaraderie with this open-hearted community.

When I look back on these experiences, I feel incredibly grateful for the gifts of depth and simplicity. The theme from each as we move together is one of pure joy and meaningful connections. Sharing present time awareness with others before, during, and after our practice goes deep inside much like the Chi settling into the bone marrow. It becomes part of us as we move forward.

The world becomes smaller and more personal as we come together from different countries and cultures, remaining open to giving and receiving. To let go and empty — as well as to open up and be filled by the grace and good will from others — is a gift. We begin to blend into each other culturally as we share and interact as one strong TCC family.