The Jewel of TCC is its Teachers

Many teachers are familiar with Justin saying, “The jewel of T’ai Chi Chih (TCC) is its teachers.” That also dovetails nicely with, “TCC is a service to humanity.” In “Teh: The Power of Inner Sincerity” in Spiritual Odyssey, Justin writes, “…I feel deeply the power of the teachers’ teh. It is our jewel, and I fully expect this great power to bring TCC to deserving people all over the planet.”

Jewels have many facets, and often, the more facets a polished jewel has, the more brilliant it becomes. The same is true with our TCC community.

Setting the stage at this year’s conference, Sandy guided us through the rededication ceremony as we each walked down the memory lane of our TCC journey. We were asked to remember our first class or teacher and other firsts, folks met on the path who touched us. It was as if someone opened a TCC archive revealing many joyful, funny, poignant connections and experiences. With eyes closed, my smile widened, and my appreciation deepened when I re-visited the breadth of meaningful moments over the years. The jewel’s facet brightened with this flood of memories.

Conference topics ranged from movement tips to community updates to spiritual matters. Familiar faces instructed us and shared their perspectives on the wisdom of letting go, the sacred energy of TCC, embracing emptiness, dyeing the cloth, and contemplating/considering the location of the tan t’ien. Newly accredited teachers shared the importance of creating a balanced life and being mindful of an empty cup in TCC Practice and life. The jewel shimmers as more facets are acknowledged and highlighted.

Likewise, when I was initially exposed to teachers dropping the arms and standing up after grounding in each move, I was perplexed. Prior to that, I had seen folks staying down in the rest position or slightly releasing the knees.

I was accustomed to one way and became aware of my own resistance (tension, full cup) to other ways. But I eventually saw that as an invitation to drop what I cl to and embrace what I resisted. I practiced each way and invited my students to do the same. All facets were explored yet none shines more or less brightly in my practice. While there are many facets to our practice of TCC and to each movement in our practice, the more we polish our facet with teh and consistent practice, the more we contribute to the beauty and value of TCC’s greater jewel, the community of teachers. Therein lies the service to humanity.