The Value Of TCC Retreats

There are many great benefits from attending a T’ai Chi Chih retreat, as those who have been to one already know. It is a delightful way to deepen our understanding and experience of TCC in a serene environment with a group of like-minded friends. It offers a time of deep relaxation and personal renewal. And it provides connections with the larger TCC community.

Most of us don’t have time to do two full TCC practices a day plus spend additional time refining the movements. We can give ourselves that time on a retreat. Doing more than our usual TCC practice generates a strong flow of Chi and allows for deeper insights, inspiration and healing.

Retreats are generally held in beautiful and peaceful settings conducive to retreating from everyday activities and giving ourselves time to relax. There is ample free time during the day to walk, read, meditate or simply do nothing. What an opportunity to renew body, mind and spirit.

Special connections and new friendships happen for many at TCC retreats. Of course, wonderful people are attracted to TCC in general, and retreats draw them together from all over the country. In 2011, Californian Mary Kuester and Texan George Anderson-Wood became friends at the Santa Barbara retreat. Every year since, they have looked forward to seeing each other at that retreat.

A TCC retreat is wonderful to share with a friend or loved one. Couples and sisters come year after year because of the fulfilling experience. This was the first year since 2006 that Ted and I weren’t together in Santa Barbara. Ted had come through chemotherapy, radiation and surgery last year for esophageal cancer and was recovering well. But in January he was knocked out by a virus; problems digesting food became severe. He was just too weak to get to Santa Barbara this March.

Thinking back to our first TCC retreat together, I recall when we were first dating in 2006. Someone canceled at the last minute, so I called Ted and asked if he’d like to attend the following week. He accepted my invitation in a heartbeat, and it was at that retreat where romance began to blossom. I can’t promise you romance, but I encourage you to give yourself the gift of a TCC retreat.

Editor’s Note: Ted died on April 6th.