Conference 2010 & 2011

Within this The Vital Force, you will be treated to articles and comments from teachers who enjoyed the annual T’ai Chi Chih International Conference, held at Lied Lodge in Nebraska City, Nebraska. The beauty of the lodge set the stage – with its large log beams that invited us to be aware of our being rooted in the earth. The opening ritual introduced the 90 participants from many parts of the U.S. and Canada from which teachers traveled, bringing with them a small spoonful of earth from the ground where they practice. As each of the six areas of North America was announced, teachers came forward from states to contribute their small bit of soil that began to fill a large glass bowl. This was displayed throughout the conference, and at the final practice, each returned home with a small glass vile of the soil mixture to represent each one’s presence.

What was unique about this conference was how it was created. Teachers from various parts of the U.S. volunteered to take on a particular responsibility. This committee was coordinated by Sandy McAlister, who has been coordinating conference committees for the past eight or so years. The dedication of this group created a joyous and glitch-free conference.

The 2010 conference will be also held at Lied Lodge (August 12 – 15). The Conference Advisor is Sky (Sandra K. Young-Wick), who did a fantastic job with meal planning at this past conference. Jean Katus will receive registrations. You are encouraged to register early to take advantage of the lowest rate, which will be extended to all newly accredited teachers up until the conference. SeeHYPERLINK “http://www.taichichih.org” www.taichichih.org for forms.

Looking forward to 2011: Each teacher is welcome to look for a place to gather. The main criteria? A meeting space of about 4,500 square feet. Please contact Sandy McAlister if you have such a place. Since the 2009 conference model worked so well, you need not be concerned about having a built-in committee in your area.

Why attend Conference? First of all, you and your practice will be deeply enriched. You will experience the excitement of teachers gathered from areas where there are numerous teachers to those in isolation. It is a means of continued support, of connection and new ideas from how to improve your teaching methods to how to better understand the movements and model them well for your students. And of course there is practice, practice, practice. It is so important that each teacher attends one event a year in order to stay current. One very common question asked about conference is, “What movements have changed?” Perhaps the better question would be, “How are we understanding the form based on the teachings of Justin Stone, and how is that new understanding being applied?”

Pam, Sandy and I continue to research Justin’s videos and photo text to better understand the form, as well as meet with him at least twice a year. It is not so much that the movements change, but we change by practicing the movements. As we change, we grow deeper in our understanding of the way to move, and its application brings us into another transition – change. This cycle happens over and over again. “Just as the thought conditions the Vital Force, so does the flow of this Chi, this Intrinsic Energy, condition the way of thinking. As these changes occur we get in touch with ourselves and the world we see begins to change. Joy becomes our natural heritage.” (Spiritual Odyssey, page 23). If you want to get the most out of your practice, do it well, applying the principles, and be aware. “Awareness is the root of T’ai Chi Chih, which is essentially inner-oriented.” (Spiritual Odyssey, page 31).

I had an interesting conversation with someone who going to the New Jersey teacher training. I mentioned that individuals preparing for accreditation often ask, “What happened to the joy in Joy thru Movement? It just isn’t as joyous any more.” We came to the conclusion that in the learning of TCC, the student is trying to remember the mechanical parts of each move and what to move. Once this is accomplished, the form evolves into more of an even flow when the principles are understood and applied. Then, the hope to teach brings on deeper study with refinements, leaving the student wondering if they will ever make it, especially when everything begins to fall apart. “I thought I knew T’ai Chi Chih.” Then the breakthrough allows it to come together in an even flow with softness and continuity. Joy.

Now you know why it is important to attend a conference. I’ll look forward to seeing you in Nebraska City in August 2010. Hopefully those who did not attend last year will make the decision to come. Who knows, we may land up with 200, and that would be very joyous.