Dịch
(Kay Lynn in green jacket)
Here I am in Götzens, in the mountain ranges of the Alps in the North Tyrol, coming to the tai chi school led by Maria Gandler.
She is waiting for me at Innsbruck Airport, ready to take me to my accommodation in Götzens, which is shared by four others, including our teachers, Joop and Lucy Brouwer.
Maria and the team of apprentices in Götzens offer a unique setting for this excellent weekend of teaching the tai chi form, meditation, and philosophy.
Götzens is a beautiful location. As the aircraft descended, the mountain peaks pushed through the clouds. Expert pilots, I imagine, negotiate these mountain ranges. As I exited the plane, I felt the fresh air, the quietness, and the respectful village people. No litter! Mountains surrounded me, some so high they had snow on them.
We experienced sessions all together, working on the season of autumn/fall and the metal element with a focus on “letting go,” accompanied by clear translations from German to English and vice versa.
I studied the Intermediate Form with Joop and Maria and learnt so much — from the mechanics to the quality. The quality of the flowing energy in the body with a certain freedom and enjoyment. We were invited to relax, to not “try” so hard, and to “dance” the movement.
The school in Götzens offers a very particular and special experience with such good management from Maria, as well as Franz Stumpf, and Claudia Gebhart, who were always there. They provided a level of support in their caring and constant awareness of my needs. They gently offered quiet listening, were always open to questions, and gave clear demonstrations.
I made new friends and enjoyed the warmth and welcome from other people attending the weekend. Local people brought wonderful cakes and pastries, fresh grapes, and clear pure drinking water. The sun shone brightly each day. I even took a trip in a cable car to walk in the mountains.
This trip was very special to me because of the warm company of the group. I was given an experience of the people’s culture. I was shown mountain plants and trees and their special properties. As a gardener, I loved to be introduced to a different plant landscape and ways of living in this mountainous region. I felt a sense of pride in a way of life that has established a love of their environment alongside the challenges that a mountain landscape brings. I took in the farming, the log piles, and the architecture of the houses. A lot of wood.
I was so well looked after. My accommodation was very comfortable, with good kitchen facilities and a place to sit and talk to each other. There were five of us. The two teachers, Joop and Lucy, and new friends from Germany and Brussels, with a balcony to look out at the village and the magnificent church at its centre.
I enjoyed, the farewell meal so much, the goodbyes, and our conversations, as well as the quietness and the sunshine. I was especially touched by the generosity, warmth, and kindness I received throughout my stay. A big thank you!
All this I bring home with me.
***
You can learn more about tai chi by exploring the diverse offerings of the Tai Chi Foundation (TCF). TCF provides live online courses, allowing you to participate in guided sessions in the comfort of your home. These virtual classes offer unique opportunities to connect with experienced instructors, ensuring that you receive personalized guidance and feedback. Additionally, the Tai Chi Foundation offers Teachable on-demand classes, providing a flexible and accessible way to learn at your own pace. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced practitioner, these online resources offer a wealth of knowledge to enrich your tai chi journey. For those seeking a more hands-on experience, check out the regular course offerings of TCF’s affiliated local schools.
TCF is a not-for-profit educational organization that promotes, funds, and teaches programs that enable people to learn tai chi chuan and embody its principles.
Article and drawing by Kay Lynn.
2024 Tai Chi Foundation
Give a Reply