September 2013

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Latest USTCC Newsletter

The USTCC Newsletter is published quarterly and emailed to members.  Members may access all current and past issuesafter logging in.

We welcome ideas for and submissions of newsletter articles from our members.  Email our News Editor, Eric Borreson, at editor@tchc.infowith your articles or suggestions!

United States Tai Chi Community News
Volume 11, Issue #3
September 2013

In this issue:

Eric BorresonLetter from the Editor
by Eric Borreson

I would like to welcome all of you to the September issue of our United States Tai Chi Community newsletter. We have some wonderful changes happening with the USTCC and the newsletter. As you can see, we have had a change of editor with this newsletter. I would like to extend our thanks to Debra Leonard for her hard work as the previous editor.

One big change is that we are moving toward an online-only newsletter. This is to make it easier for those people using mobile devices to read the newsletter.

We will be including several regular columns in the newsletters. We will feature columns by and about Senior Trainers as well as a column Teacher’s Corner. These columns are intended to provide tips and support for our teachers as we continue to grow the Tai Chi for Health programs. We will also have columns that focus on scholarships. The USTCC has a major focus on providing assistance for people that want to attend the annual summer workshop. We will also include occasional columns about other topics, like this issue’s Fun with Tai Chi.

In the future, we will also have a column called Your Online Practice. Many of us have Facebook pages and web pages to promote our businesses. Many of us are new to this idea. This column is intended to provide examples and advice for all of us as we develop new ways to communicate with our friends and students. Are you looking for a place to start? The USTCC has developed a Facebook page. Check it out here.

The newsletter’s purpose is to keep members up to date with what is happening with the USTCC, to provide a forum for exchange of ideas among members, and to provide education to members. Remember, this newsletter is a two-way link. Don’t just read it. Contribute to it. Tell me what you would like to see. Do you want to write an article but don’t know where to begin? Do you want to see more poetry? Send me an email. I can help develop your idea into an article that can help everyone.

Eric Borreson
editor@tchc.info

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Christine KilleenLetter from the President
by Christine Killeen

This summer, I assumed the duties of President of our “Community” when Dr. Bob McBrien retired. While this is a great honor, it is also a tremendous responsibility. It is one that would be impossible without the support of the members of the USTCC Community Board. As our Board has been growing and changing this year, I would like to use my Letter as an opportunity to briefly introduce you to the members of our Community Board.

  • Virginia Dowling, S.T.,has served as Chair of our Scholarship Committee for many years. This year she is mentoring Linda Ebeling to eventually lead this Committee.
  • Linda Ebeling, S.T.,is a very versatile member of our Board, having served both on our Steering Committee and Newsletter Committee. Currently she is working with Virginia as she begins to assume responsibility for the Scholarship Committee duties.
  • Ernie Hall, S.T.,became a part of our Board this past winter. It is my pleasure to announce that she was recently voted Vice President of our Community by the Board.
  • Carolyn Hotchkissjoined our Community Board last year. Recently she was also voted Vice President of the Tai Chi for Health Institute (TCHI). I think it goes without saying that her expertise, balanced perspective, and keen sense of humor make her a valuable member in any organization.
  • Maureen Miller, M.T.,has set a high standard for the work of Community Secretary of our Board and continues to give generously of herself through her work on our Steering, Planning, and Falls Prevention Committees.
  • Judy Naglecontinues to serve as Community Treasurer. In addition to her duties as Treasurer, Judy works with a group of volunteers each year at the June Workshop to sell raffle tickets to raise monies for our Scholarship Fund. This year she and Becky Rahe ran the successful “Meet & Greet” event that we hope to repeat at next Workshop.
  • Becky Rahe, S.T.,joined our Board earlier this year, taking on the responsibilities of Member Care at TCHC.info. She and Judy Nagle ran our very successful “Meet & Greet” event at the June 2013 Workshop.
  • Betty Scanlon, M.T.,joined us this past year as a Board member. As many of you know, her quilts have helped us to raise funds to send many of our members to the annual June Workshop.
  • Marianne Walch, S.T.,joined us this spring as our Webmaster as Doug Sams has decided to retire. She also recently became a Board member. In addition to these duties she is now Chairperson of our newly formed Communications Committee.
  • Dr. Bruce Young, S.T.,is the “calm center” in all things and has worked over the years to help make our organization great. He serves as a member of our Falls Prevention Initiative Committee.

As you can see, we have wonderful people taking on leadership roles in our USTCC Community. We invite you to consider becoming an active part of our evolving Community. Some of the ways to get involved include writing an article for our quarterly newsletter, sharing pictures on Facebook, posting regional workshops on our website, or helping us to raise scholarship funds. There are so many opportunities to help continue to grow our Community and you are a vital part of that continued growth.

Christine Killeen
ckilleen@tchc.info

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Yang 24 Forms WorkshopSenior Trainer 101: Senior Trainers Lead Effective Yang 24 Workshop
By Viola Everett

When the opportunity for three Senior Trainers to teach a Yang 24 forms workshop presented itself, they eagerly stepped up to the plate with no hesitation! When asked how they felt about the workshop, their enthusiastic responses were: “This is what we have been training for, and now we put our skills into action!” (Rahe). “It was such an honor to work with such a willing group of participants.” (Knauf). “The workshop was fun and effective.” (Everett)

The local host, Alan Clayton, had been working on promoting a Yang 24 forms workshop for over a year when he was told the Master Trainer was not able to be there. When presented the idea of a workshop led by Senior Trainers, Alan was overjoyed. With an adjustment in pricing it opened the door for participants with financial constraints to attend. The number of workshop participants doubled in less than two weeks!

“Just think if we had more time to promote,” Alan said. “We might have had to find a new venue!” At the end of the workshop, participants asked if the Senior Trainers would come back and teach another Yang 24 forms workshop. “We are planning on returning in Spring of 2014.”

We are Senior Trainers of TCHI, and we have a role to play. Being a Senior Trainer comes with responsibilities for the people we know who need consistency in their tai chi journey. We feel the desire to learn comes from each person’s heart.

When Senior Trainers teach what they already know, it helps so many more people who do not yet understand how to maximize the health benefits of their tai chi. The more we teach, the more our confidence and tai chi skills grow, and it creates a path for financial success. Offering local and regional workshops has already proven to be one of the most powerful ways for each Senior Trainer to live the vision we share with Dr. Lam.

Here is what the participants have said:

“What a windfall to have three outstanding trainers who not only know their ‘stuff’ but who can teach it to others. I was put at ease in one minute of the workshop and was encouraged every ‘step’ of my journey. I learned so much and had fun doing it. The time was spent on task and it literally flew by. I am already looking forward to the next workshop and only hope it’s with the “three amigos!” ~ Mary Wise

“(I enjoyed) the generosity of the trainers in terms of their time, knowledge, and kindness to each person. This exceeded my expectations and was worth the physical challenge to me personally. Trainers were respectful of peoples’ limitations.” ~ Grace Fogle

“(I enjoyed) the pace — felt I had sufficient explanation and practice with each section.”~ Marcia Dixson

For more information concerning Senior Trainer workshops, please contact:

Becky Naves-Rahe – taichiblr@sbcglobal.net
Cathi Knauf – cathi@communitytaichi.com
Viola Everett – viola@taichimonroe.com

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John MelitoFun with Tai Chi
A fun quiz by John Melito

I use this particular lighthearted exercise for those who are taking or have taken TCA2. Other teachers can change it and adapt it to make it interesting to their participants. The point is for the participant to have fun with it. It’s a refreshing ‘break’ from our usual class time. The participants seem to enjoy it and also begin to get to know one another even more as they talk about their answers (if they volunteer to do so).

I always try to eliminate any tension, fear, self doubt, etc. before we do this gentle ‘exercise’ of the cranial matter! I just try to make it so we all enjoy together! Be sure to be inventive on how you give the quiz. You might have 2 or more people collaborate while taking the quiz. Afterwards, the class gets together and we discuss the answers!

Circle the correct answer:

Tai Chi for Arthritis will only help those people who have arthritis. True/false

Tai chi is originally from Australia. True/false

Dan Tian breathing method is also referred to as diaphragmatic breathing. True/false

‘Qi” is the area above your shoulders. True/false

In doing tai chi, your muscles should remain tense and tight. True/false

‘Open and Close’ refers to your thought patterns. True/false

In the tai chi for arthritis program, the movement just before ‘waving hands’ is the ‘single whip’. True/false

Before every tai chi lesson or practice, you should always prepare yourself by doing at least 10 jumping jacks. True/false

Please complete the following:

Tai Chi for Health Programs were developed by ____________.

In doing tai chi, you should always move within your __________ zone.

When doing tai chi, you should try to do movements slow, smooth, and __________.

List at least 4 health benefits a person could receive from doing tai chi: 1. 2. 3. 4.

Please complete the following:

Parry and _____________

Brush _____________

Repulse the _____________

Leisurely _____________ the _____________

_____________-ups, and _____________-downs should always be done before and after tai chi.

 

John Melito is an instructor in the Kansas City, MO, area.

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2013 USTCC Scholarship WinnersScholarship Announcements:Application Process

Scholarship applications for Dr. Paul Lam’s 2014 annual U.S.A. Tai Chi for Health Workshop are now available. The workshop will be held June 9-14 at Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri.

To apply, you must be a USTCC member in good standing and have not received a scholarship within the past 3 years. Additional information and application materials can be found on our website and are due by October 20, 2013. Please note that registrations for the workshop are not yet open. The Tai Chi for Health Institute will send out an email announcing the workshop later in the year.

You can find much more information about the scholarships, requirements, and application forms on the USTCC website’s Scholarships page.

If you have any questions, please contact the Scholarship Committee at scholarships@tchc.info.

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Marsha CarrLetter of Thanks
By Marsha Carr

I am grateful for the scholarship I was awarded to Dr. Lam’s week-long Workshop in New London CT.

Coming to the workshop I expected to work hard and try to absorb as much information as I could to take back to my TCA classes. I wish I had been able to clone myself because there were so many interesting forms to explore. It was like being a kid in a candy store.

What I didn’t expect was to find myself back in the Beginner’s Mind so quickly! Working through this I really appreciated the experience of how my students must feel at times. Throughout the week I learned many new techniques to improve my tai chi practice and teaching effectiveness. Another reminder that it’s about the journey, not the destination!

The chance to learn what it means to find the internal spirit with Jef Morris in the enhanced 73 Form was something I had been looking forward to for a long time. His quiet and loving energy, slow pace, and patience made the Sun 73 class a truly deep and special experience. Bill and Linda Pickett were very supportive and helpful when my dyslexic mind showed up and helped me work through some of the more interesting moves of the form.

The Week Long Workshop was truly harmony in motion, and there was a close family connection with my Tai Chi brothers and sisters. I look forward to joining you all again.

In peaceful practice,
Marsha Carr

Marsha is an instructor in Newmarket, NH.

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Russ SmileyRuss Smiley Memorial Scholarship

USTCC is in the process of setting up a scholarship in memory of Master Trainer Russ Smiley who died this past March. This scholarship will provide financial assistance to Senior Trainers to attend workshop to enhance their skills. Plans are to make this a limited endowed fund – i.e. we will award the money contributed until it is all used. The guidelines and application process are still being worked out and the amount to be awarded will be determined by the amount in the fund.

Russ was always encouraged his students and instructors to explore the world of tai chi and qigong and was always expanding his own horizons. If there are members, esp. Senior Trainers, who have idea of how we can award these grants, please feel free to contact the committee members.

There has been some money already donated in Russ’s name, but if anyone would like to contribute, they can send their contributions to the Treasurer of USTCC, PO Box 481, Glastonbury, CT 06033 – be sure to indicate Russ Smiley Memorial Fund on the memo line of the check. In addition, credit card payments can be made on the USTCC web site. The donations pagelets you designate how you want to the money to be used. Just check the box that says “Russell Smiley” scholarship.

Virginia Dowling: ginnydowling@mchsi.com
Viola Everett: taichi4all@gmail.com
Carolyn Hotchkiss: chotch@comcast.net
Joanne Zeitler: jz4taichi@yahoo.com

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Master Trainer Profiles
by Debra Leonard

In the June 2013 Special Issue, we published interviews with Master Trainers. The USTCC thanks all the Master Trainers that took part in this bit of fun.

We have asked Dr. Paul Lam’s Master trainers a set of 5 questions. Here are the answers that didn’t make it into that issue.

1. When did you take your first Tai Chi class and what form was it? 2. What is your favorite form now? 3. What one thing would you like every beginner to know? 4. What is that very favorite music that you pull out to practice with again and again? 5. When I’m not teaching and performing in the art of Tai Chi I am …


MT Meghan BryantMeghan Bryant

  1. 2006 – Tai Chi for Balance – through Cross Country for therapists.
  2. They all have a special place in my journey: Chen to help with identifying the spiraling force, Yang for the rocking movement and expansion to help me relax, Sun style for our community growth.
  3. Enjoy learning a movement and how to apply the principles in it. To learn a step outside of a form means it can be placed in any routine/form. This will lay foundations for future enjoyment.
  4. I use the 2nd CD of Dr Lam’s for class and this brings me in focus really quick. I use the sounds of the copier many times as well.
  5. Working as a rehab tech at several retirement communities, designing jewelry and teaching classes on them, creating 1 to 2 art shows a year, catching movies with friends and board games more recently.


MT Ileina FerrierIleina Ferrier

  1. 1997 – Yang
  2. Sun 73 and Chen Style.
  3. To let go of perfection and focus on the breath.
  4. Buddhist Chanting Group, Hanshan Temple.
  5. Lol! When not doing those two things, I am sharing tai chi with others, it seems. However, I am encouraged to do something unrelated from time to time. That would be round of golf (I used to play 3 times a week), or perhaps tennis (I played 4.0 USTA in MI, SC, FL). My daughter is expecting their first child, so I am looking forward wd to duties as G-Mama later this year.


MT Beverly RobertsBeverly Roberts

  1. Chen Man-Ching.
  2. My favorite form is Yang style.
  3. A beginner should know that tai chi is easy to learn and with practice comes greater skill.
  4. When I am not teaching tai chi, I am a professor of nursing at University of Florida.

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Poetry Corner
By Bob “Poet Bob” Casey

Simplicity

Desperation consumes daily lives –
the yearning for love,
the fear of loneliness,
the endless search for happiness,
the desire for perfection, for meaning.
Hopeless searching
never finding.

Letting go.
Acceptance.
Love of self and others.
Giving without reward.
Bring all one desires.

Bob is an instructor in Fredericktown, OH.

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Marianne WalchCommunication is Key to Community
Marianne Walch

No organization can function well without effective communication. This summer USTCC created a new Communications Committee to help integrate and make more effective all of the various tools that our members can use to communicate with and support one another. I’m privileged to have been asked to chair that committee, and I’m working with a fantastic team: Eric Borreson, Viola Everett, Cathi Knauf and Ron Pfeiffer. We want to let everyone know what the committee’s been up to.

First of all, as Eric has already noted, our quarterly newsletter is undergoing some transition, with a new editor and new online format. I want to send the Community’s sincere thanks to Debra Leonard for all of the talent and hard work that she put into her role as editor for the past several years. She set a high standard for the rest of us to follow.

The newsletter is a primary tool for communication among our members, so please use it! We encourage everyone to share their tai chi experience and teaching tips with the rest of us. Contact Eric at editor@tchc.infowith your ideas.

Secondly, thanks to Ron Pfeiffer, USTCC now has a Facebook page. In just three months, nearly 300 people have “liked” us! The page is very active, so if you are a Facebook user, please join in at www.facebook.com/TaiChiForHealthCommunity. Post photos of your classes and workshops, start discussions and share your thoughts.

Lastly, if you haven’t explored the USTCC website recently, please do so. We’re gradually working to improve the look and functionality of the site so that you’ll want to use it for more than just renewing your membership. There are lots of resources there for our members, including scholarship information, board meeting minutes, workshop/event listings, and a new photo /video gallery page. More improvements are coming. Many member resources are available only to active members and thus are password protected. If you’ve forgotten your password, no worries – just click the “Forgot Password” link near the login box.

Please give us your feedback and ideas. What resources would you like to see in the USTCC newsletter or on the website? How can we improve communication and give you the tools you need to be a more effective Tai Chi for Health instructor? Communication is a two-way street. It’s your Community!

Marianne Walch
mwalch@tchc.info

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