One Degree Of Separation

I recently had the privilege of attending a Fall retreat in Albuquerque with Carmen Brocklehurst. I was hoping that Justin would visit with us at the retreat or that I would be able to visit with him during our free time. I was in luck: Justin would be visiting on Saturday. I was so excited to finally meet the originator of the T’ai Chi Chih movements that have changed my life. When I learned how to do TCC in 1994 from Christeen McLain in Fargo, I was only 22 years old. I was hooked from the first class and became accredited in 1996. During my study of TCC, I heard Justin Stone’s name so much I couldn’t help but wonder what it would be like to meet him in person.

During the weekend retreat, Friday came and went with lots of moving and refining, meeting everyone, free time and sharing TCC experiences. Saturday morning was filled with excitement and anticipation, a silent practice, breakfast and a break before Justin arrived. As we gathered to continue deepening our understanding of the movements, Justin came through the door. As he Justin, you could have heard a pin drop. The silence was palpable; the entire energy of the room changed.

How do I put into words what I felt as he stood before us? I had a physical reaction, not on the outside of my body but from within. An explosion of heat started in my feet and rose through the center of my body and showered out through my head. I didn’t understand why I felt it or how it manifested into a physical heat. But as I acknowledged what I was feeling, I was overcome with gratitude and love for this man I hadn’t yet met, even though I felt I had known for a long time. How do I put into words what I have received from TCC? It’s difficult. Luckily we continued our practice, and I was able to feel my feet again. How does a man who emits softness and simplicity have such an overwhelming affect on so many? It is that simplicity that draws us to Justin and TCC. On that day I experienced one degree of separation.

Editor’s Note: Neal unearthed something he’d written after his 1996 accreditation: At first the Chi is the canvas on which we paint; after practicing a while the Chi becomes the painter and the mind, body and soul become the canvas on which the Chi paints.

>>>>>>>>>>>