What If? … We Are One

BY MALINDA MENKE, ALBUQUERQUE, NM

Sometimes I play the game, What If. What if I had done this, rather than that? What if I hadn’t been willing to try something new, and instead of enrolling in my first T’ai Chi Chih class, I had signed up for something familiar – aerobics or yoga? What if I hadn’t embraced TCC and been open to all that the Chi and my teacher, Carmen Brocklehurst, had to give? What if I had closed the door when Carmen encouraged me to go deeper in my TCC practice by moving forward with teacher prep classes and teacher training? I can only make assumptions about the ways in which my life might be different if I had made other choices, because each decision is a branch with many branches extending from it, and each of those branches leads to…well, you get the idea.

During the recent teacher training, I was so moved by the presentations and personal stories of my fellow students, and I kept thinking how we were all so very different. But during the week of instruction and intensive TCC practice, once we were truly able to “let go” and open to the Chi, the layers of difference peeled away. And in the ways that really matter, we were the same. On the last day of training, I didn’t go to lunch with the group because I wanted to run a couple errands, and as I sat at a red light at a busy Albuquerque intersection, watching all of the people in their cars, I wondered what was happening in each of their lives at that moment. As they went about doing what needed to be done, were they angry, or happy, or sad, or lonely, or grieving? Then I heard the voice inside say, “You are all one.” On an intellectual level, I’ve always believed in the interconnectedness of life, that each and every life is valuable. But this experience surpassed the confirmation of a belief. I felt a web of energy connecting us all, and coupled with the flow of Chi along my spine, I began to smile from ear to ear. I found myself saying out loud, “We are one! We are one!” And then I thought, “How cool is this?” Clarity came suddenly, unexpectedly, not when I was doing my TCC practice, not when I was contemplating life, but while I’m sitting in my car on a busy city street waiting for the light to change from red to green!

What if I hadn’t enrolled in my first TCC class and been open to the Chi? I’m certain my life wouldn’t be as rich or as meaningful. This gentle, intelligent Energy has nourished my compassion for others, rekindled my sense of wonder of all that is, and given me untold moments of Joy. In this New Year, may we all be open to the gifts of this Divine Energy, the Chi, and rededicate ourselves to our practice.

Open-Hearted Teacher Training

BY CARMEN L. BROCKLEHURST, ALBUQUERQUE, NM

Becoming a TCC teacher requires that candidates come to the training with a willingness to be open, on all levels, to the training. It seems so basic. But it is not always easy. Without openness, none of the following would be possible.

I was inspired and grateful to attend the training because the candidates were of such high character. Their respect for Justin and TCC came from a deep level. One student said she felt Justin before he even entered the room. Each correction made by Justin was not just for the actual movement (and moment), but it was a valuable gem that would be useful throughout the teacher’s life and benefit them and their students. I am still unfolding corrections received from Justin at my training. It is wonderful to be in “beginners mind,” when candidates are changing in such accelerated ways – as are the auditors. This inspires gratitude for the openness, courage, patience, and love that they shared. The benefits of attending a training are incredible.

As a teacher who sent candidates, I watched each one give all they had … and then went beyond what they imagined. They were open to the process. They helped me to see, again and again, why I thought they would be very good teachers and a special part of our community. I was also grateful to auditors who shared so many helpful suggestions (from the depth of their love and experience) with each candidate. I will always treasure the week because of the candidates’ willingness to be open, to love, and to share the Chi.