The Tao of Teaching

Teaching is a complex thing. It is both demanding and rewarding. It challenges us to present material in a way that makes sense to all our students. It also provides us with an opportunity to instill confidence and encourage excellence.

Like it or not, as teachers we do have an impact on our students. I tell them that I am also a student (that I learn from them and from teaching) and that since change is the only constant they will even see variations in my practice of TCC. Even so, they still tend to see me as an authority figure: one who has had more experience and practice and one to whom they come for information and guidance. Since TCC is such a powerful tool for personal growth and development and since as a teacher I represent TCC, I owe it to them to be aware of how I influence them. Therefore, I am careful about my attitude and especially about how I address them. I emphasize the positive. I point out how well students are doing, commenting on what they are doing right, before giving constructive criticism. Rather than saying, “You’re still off balance,” I say, “Try it with your foot here, it may feel a little better.”

This positive focus is fundamental to good teaching, as well as to living the TCC way. My aim is to maintain each student’s sense of integrity and dignity as well as to be professional in my consideration of their well-being. I emphasize this attitude of encouragement so that the students will feel safe in being a beginner, in making mistakes, and in asking any questions they may have. I want them to feel what I know is true: that each of us is entitled to self-respect because within each of us is an aspect of the Great Ultimate Truth. When we honor this inner guiding light we know what is right for us, what we need to let go of or to cultivate in order to fulfill our greatest potential in accordance with the perfect flow of the Tao.

This is why TCC is such an invaluable tool. It leads us to clarity and wisdom, as well as to serenity and joy. If everyone in the world could honor this wisdom and love within themselves and in others, we would have peace on earth.

– Cass Redmon
Watsonville, CA