Qualities and Guidelines for Being the Yin Person during Class ~ (Apr 2022)

Hal Caswell started this list and other teachers and apprentices eventually added to it. The list was created to help newer apprentices understand their function as the yin person in a class.

Qualities

• Relax.
• Be receptive, still and in a state of restful presence.
• Practice the ability to transcend distraction. Notice when your mind wanders and when you are not truly present in the class. 
• Bring yourself back to your dantian whenever you stray.
• Hold the room in your dantian as much as you can.
• Transmit tai chi principles to the students from your body without words.
• Be aware of what the yang teacher is doing, perhaps even before he/she does it.
• Observe how the teacher(s) help the students absorb the major aspects of the lesson rather than trying to make everyone perfect.
• Notice how remaining truly present supports your role of offering useful feedback to your partner after class.
• Observe without judgment. Notice when your observation contains criticism. 
• Trust your training.  Acknowledge your nervousness and other feelings you may have when you do not feel fully prepared.  
• Feel grateful for the opportunity to learn and teach. 

Guidelines

Practice at home.

Ask the senior teacher to:

• Review your form
• Go over any indications
• Tell you anything he/she wants from you.

• Ask yang teachers for the opportunity to watch the class sometimes to see what the students need—especially on Zoom.
• Ask the senior teacher to adjust you first so that the students know what to expect, and to make sure you are in the correct position.

 Photo by Simon Wilkes on Unsplash