Serenity in the Falling Snow

Seijaku Retreat with Carmen Brocklehurst in Albuquerque, NM; June 14, 2008

By Judy Hendricks, Host

It looked like it was snowing outside – in June, in New Mexico – during the Seijaku workshop. Giant cottonwood trees were releasing their cotton, which the wind carried all around us. Carmen Brocklehurst lovingly shared her wealth of experiential knowledge about the practice, and Justin spoke about its power.

I remember how much I loved my first Seijaku class, and so I often wonder why I don’t practice more often. Knowing that changes may occur more quickly with Seijaku, I wonder if I am resistant to change. That may well be, but as I feel compelled to mediate, I also feel compelled to do Seijaku.

I learned so much during the one-day workshop, but it’s hard to put it into words. While doing Carry the Ball to the Side, I really felt the Chi flowing around my waist during the hip swivel. Since then, the shifting of the weight and the hip swivel seem to flow more smoothly. We have all heard about how TCC teaches you TCC, but I think Seijaku teaches us at a faster rate. Seijaku also makes my TCC practice – and my life – much softer. After doing the “strong” part of Seijaku, the softness and flow of TCC comes more easily. Seijaku has also taught me how to let go. Some negative and unfair things are happening at work, but I have recently gained a clarity and calmness about it. I had been quite angry about the work situation, but after doing Seijaku, the situation now feels more positive. I don’t know if I can change things, but I do know I can let myself just “be.”

Since the workshop, as I have been practicing Seijaku more often, the practice has become more natural. On the days when my schedule is freer, I hear myself saying, “Do Seijaku.” Things are so much clearer and settled after spending the day doing Seijaku. As in TCC, the power of Seijaku seems cumulative. Thank you to Carmen and Justin for sharing the serenity with those of us so fortunate to attend the workshop.

From All Directions

Retreat with Antonia Cooper in Albuquerque, NM; April 3-6, 2008

By Connie Hyde, Cedar Crest, NM

We met as a group of virtual strangers, but our common bond was that we love practicing T’ai Chi Chih. This magnet drew us to the Dominican Spiritual Renewal Center in the Rio Grande valley for the 3rd Annual TCC Retreat with Sister Antonia. When questioned by Antonia as to why we had come, answers came from all directions – to renew an appreciation for the practice, to soften the grieving for a loved one, to feel the flow of the Chi in group practice.

Graced by a visit from Justin, the simplicity of practice greeted us anew. He advised teachers to demonstrate the movement rather than using words to describe it. Under Antonia’s guidance, punctuated by readings from Spiritual Odyssey, we were encouraged to embody the principles of TCC. She advised us, “You’re entering into an experience so be sure you leave enough time for your practice.” Antonia’s love for TCC and the community was palpable.

The retreat was a time to grow, feel, reflect on early spring, and to revisit our human being-ness. Thank you, Justin, for the gift that keeps on giving.

World T’ai Chi – Chi Quong Day in San Francisco; April 26, 2008

By Lois Arrigotti, Half Moon Bay, CA

Michael and Faith Isaacs hosted a practice in Golden Gate Park to celebrate World T’ai Chi Day. On a day when the Rose Garden was sunny, warm, and bright, our group was diverse and included beginning and experienced TCC students, TCC teachers, and a T’ai Chi Chu’an instructor. The community dedicated the practice in loving compassion and with good will to all people on earth.