Monday, August 16, 2010

Chi-Full, Cheer-Full, Tear-Full

Saturday, August 14, 2010

Another full, full day of TCC information, expertise, and refinements here at our 25th annual TCC conference. One retired special ed teacher developed a chart to evaluate TCC teachers' teaching skills which she shared with the group. Later a panel of three experienced teachers offered recommendations on how to prepare students for teacher certification training.

Two TCC practices plus another two and one-quarter hours of refinements filled the rest of our day before our evening rededication ceremony when we remembered our teachers and students and recommitted ourselves to a renewal of our practices and classes.

Our day ended with a raffle to raise money for teacher scholarships. Those funds are available to anyone who wishes to travel to the annual conference but who doesn't feel that they have the funds to attend.

Sunday, August 15, 2010

What a beautiful, cool, low humidity day! It's a wonderful respite from the moist heat that has kept most conference participants firmly rooted within the confines of our air-conditioned hotel.

Today was a unique experience: two full TCC practices before noon, one at 7:00 a.m. and the other at 11:15 a.m. Because we practiced twice within a short period of time it was interesting to notice the differences between the first practice which was conducted in variable rows and the second practice which was performed in a circle.

As my continuing students know, a circle practice is a high energy experience because the Chi circulates back and forth across the circle and around the room. Sometimes the circle is also more distracting depending upon the room layout, the number of participants, sight lines, energy flow, and other subtle variables.

Today's final practice--which was dedicated to Justin Stone, TCC's founder--was a mixed bag. Though we flowed with wondrous energy there was a sense that our retreat was over before it was over as teachers came late and left early in order to pack up and catch transportation toward home.

Monday, August 16, 2010

After a full day of travel I'm back home in the woods. Ahhh. It is wonderfully peaceful and calm here. Yes it is fun and invigorating to be around other teachers and it is also exhausting. Despite the quiet and silence during our group practices we are also a loud, talkative, and excitable bunch.

I admit, I felt lonely during this evening's TCC practice. There is nothing like a group practice to stimulate, escalate, and circulate the Chi.

Despite feeling bereft I also noted that I do have a circle within which I practice every day. Instead of being composed of other human beings, my circle is made of trees. And, after staying at and touring Arbor Day Farm, I'm even more aware of how important and valuable my practice partners truly are. Though their roots run deep and far, their branches and leaves often bounce, dance, and shake with the slightest of breezes.

Still, they contain Chi just as I do. And their life force energy greets and meets mine as I go through the motions of my dance with the Universe....

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