Boulder Conference Sparks Teacher Inspiration and Growth

This Issue & The Conference
The Boulder conference in mid-June was nothing short of stellar, amazing, and impressive. The ramifications for, and influences upon, teachers and students will be far-reaching. Among other things, it demonstrated to all in attendance that the community is thriving, coalescing, and expanding.

Although many of these issues’ articles are drawn from conference talks and demonstrations, they are directly applicable to students of all levels. These include articles by Dora, Caroline, Amy, and Dorene on “Feeling the Chi” (pages 3, 9, and 14) and by Pam and Carmen on Grounding (pages 7 and 8). We are saving others for the November issue.

A Thousand Points of Light
The Sunday morning conference session, where teachers shared news of projects and ongoing community initiatives, was particularly inspirational. Dozens of teachers stood to briefly mention ways they are sharing T’ai Chi Chih. It was so heartening to see Justin’s oft-professed wish, that each teacher pursue his/her own path, was taking hold. Teachers were not waiting to be told what to do; they were taking the reins to shape their teaching lives. There was cross-pollination and camaraderie; there were supportive groups and spontaneous connections.

That TCC lacks an institutional organization, espoused by Justin since the beginning, is what allows a “flat” structure where each of us is empowered to lead. Nothing could control or corral the energy popping up that morning.

Onward
It’s an exciting time to be a practitioner, a new teacher, and/or an experienced teacher. Justin– pictured on page one with his friend and teacher Roshi from the Bodhi Manda Zen Center in Jemez, New Mexico, towards the end of both of their lives – would be pleased at the abundance of inner sincerity.

I’m sure everyone attending the 2017 conference is eager for this year’s gravitas, grounding, playfulness, and lightness to be taken to the next level in 2018 in the Philadelphia area. (No pressure to April Leffler and Kathleen McAllister!) The Vital Force will do everything in its power, in print and through social media, to support their efforts. Starting to make plans now.

If you are a serious student thinking of becoming a teacher, there’s no better time to register for a training course, so that you can play with us next summer.