The Little Things

What do you do to make your class more than simply exercise?

I’m a first year teacher finishing up my second class. When I teach, I don’t want my students to learn only the movements of Tai Chi Chih, as beautiful and compelling as the form is. I want them to have an experience. I want them to look forward to coming to class each week and feel good when they walk out. Two ways I do this are with scent and sound.

On the first day of class, I ask students if any are allergic to eucalyptus, lavender or orange. So far, no one has been, so I spritz an essential oil spray into the air. I now spray before class and I often notice students walking into the classroom, taking a deep breath and smiling.

Sound is another important part of the learning environment. My classroom is in the Student Union building and the surrounding space is often filled with students laughing and talking with one another. Having music helps to make the outer noise less noticeable and also sets a tone for the class. My favorite albums for TCC are Marina Raye’s Being Peace and David and Steve Gordon’s Misty Forest Morning. (I’ve been practicing TCC to Misty Forest Morning since 1994 when I had it on cassette.) I also use the Naturespace app on my iPhone if I want nature sounds without instrumental music. The students seem to enjoy the music and it helps them understand on a deep level that this is a time for them to be in the moment and relax.

What little things do you do in your class to make it an experience? What music do you use? I would love to hear from you and would be happy to write an article with everyone’s responses. If you would like to share your special touches, please email me (seeHYPERLINK “http://www.taichichih.org/tai-chi-chih-teachers” http://www.taichichih.org/tai-chi-chih-teachers) and we’ll see everyone’s ideas in the August Vital Force.