“The Jewel Of T’ai Chi Chih Is In Its Teachers”

The above quote by Justin Stone is a familiar one. It is an example of how deeply he valued those who valued teaching the T’ai Chi Chih form. Since his death 18 months ago, it is clear that teachers are as rare and priceless as the jewels he spoke of long ago, and I might add, treasured.

In a recent trip to Europe I once again had opportunities to meet with teachers who do not have opportunities to choose to attend local events led by trainers or other teachers as we have in the United States. Yet they remain faithful in their practice, and many continue to offer classes to spread the form to neighbors, friends, and even venture into neighboring areas.

During this trip I had the privilege of visiting in the area of Mantua, northern Italy, and stayed with Cristina Minelli and her family. It was Cristina who lived in the U.S. with her husband for 15 years who was here for work. She learned the TCC form during those years, and taught it when she returned. Several years ago, eleven of her students were accredited to teach, along with another student from France, whose teacher was Catherine. Sandy McAlister led that teacher training in English, then her words, along with questions and conversation, were translated from English to either French or Italian. A truly international experience.

A two-day workshop was arranged this June for teachers and students over Saturday and Sunday with several attending both days. What a great reunion.

Flying back to the U.S. I stopped off in the U.K. to visit Ev Florin who brought TCC to the London area of West Sussex. She introduced the form to students as she taught several classes; two then went to the U.S. for teacher accreditation. It was great to be with all three teachers who attended the full-day TCC workshop with their students, bringing the number to 19 participants in the full-day event.

The purpose of the seven-week trip to Europe was centered in a two-week meeting of my Franciscan Community. As the discussions continued, it was apparent that a few proposals were created around the theme of our “internationality” as expressed in formation and general leadership. It was out of this focus that I was elected to that leadership, which will begin in early December.

Several teachers who are sisters have told me of how they had offered TCC during their chapters or Assemblies, and how successful these silent practices were. Our facilitator heard that I teach TCC and asked if I would offer a practice each morning before we gathered for prayer. Six sisters formed a core group who attended each 30-minute session. At the end of two weeks they had learned the first ten movements plus the Cosmic Consciousness Pose. They are looking forward to my return and continued teaching and practice sessions.

One of the sisters is from our region in South Africa, where I will be visiting in January and April of 2014, during which time TCC classes will be offered, bringing the form to this part of the world.

Over these 10 years as Guide I have been privileged to visit many area TCC communities and marveled at the enthusiasm of teachers introducing their students to me with the excitement of what potentially could be a new teacher. During the scheduled retreats or workshops I have met students who have been enriched by the TCC practice, while the form continues to change their lives.

There are countless classes that have been taught simply out of a generous spirit of teachers who knew that if they had charged, the class could not have taken place. Some teachers are volunteering hours with individuals, groups, young and old, in all levels of abilities and of disabilities. Often their only pay has been a smile from a student who made a deep, personal connection with Joy thru Movement, and who has been changed forever.

More than one teacher went to teacher accreditation because they simply wanted to deepen their practice with no intention to teach… and often found themselves teaching and thoroughly enjoying it. Teachers are humbled by their students whose physical and/or mental conditions improve, and who in turn find themselves deeply grateful.

There are several sisters who, as missionaries around the world, want to share TCC with those to whom they minister. Like most, they trust students will discover benefits that will enable an inner freedom and joy that can be attained by practicing the 19 simple movements and one pose.

All teachers, whether seasoned with many years of practice and teaching, or for those who are just starting to form classes, bring a unique shape, shine, sparkle and splendor in that collection of jewels. All teachers are part of the body, mind, spirit transformation that can happen at any time; immediately while teaching a class of beginners, or that can take place at conference when all are participating in the deepening effects of the form. Shifts happen within all of us in the unique ways which the Chi directs the subtle process of evolution. And the process continues with each weight shift, and in applying each Principle, in each class, and in each practice.

“T’ai Chi Chih is a Service to humanity,” Justin said. “It is a form of love.” This too is the joy of teaching.