Program Preview for the Boulder Conference

We are very excited about the conference program this year. We are planning stimulating presentations and discussions, networking and socializing activities, relaxing, fun-filled evenings, and, of course, opportunities to practice, practice, practice. Our speakers and presentations are still being confirmed, but here’s a taste of what is in store! Please stay tuned – when complete, the full program (including silent, morning practice sessions, vendor, meal, and break times) will be posted at: /conference-2017

Today is all about arriving, getting oriented, and settling in. We think that you will be delighted with the physical environment and hospitality provided by the Millennium Harvest Hotel and the warm welcome you will receive from our energetic and dedicated conference committee, as well as from our Guide, Sandy McAlister, and our Conference Coordinator, Marie Dotts. In addition to our first group practice and meal together, we’ll have some lighthearted opportunities to meet new friends and to and socialize with old friends and new.

FRIDAY

Today‘s focus is “Feel the Chi.” This day is dedicated to our personal practice and growth, with activities to deepen your awareness of and relationship with the Chi.

Opening Presentation: The Science of Well-Being: The Brain on T’ai Chi Chih by Dr. David Parrish, who will provide a brief overview of current brain science that clearly indicates that mindfulness practices such as TCC change the mind and change the brain in significant ways in a relatively short time. Dr. Parrish, who teaches TCC in New Jersey, will present scientific findings that indicate that well-being is a skill that can be practiced and cultivated, and will explain why TCC is an exceptional method to “practice well-being.”

“What are you Feeling Now?” Four Perspectives on Grounding

We talk a lot about “grounding” in TCC. But what is it? Why is it important? How do we do it? How do we know if we have accomplished it? How do we know if our students are grounded (can we feel it)? Veteran teachers Dan Pienciak, Pam Towne, Carmen Brocklehurst, and Marie Dotts will share their experience and guidance in this on-your-feet session.

Movement Refinement by our Guide and Teacher Trainer, Sandy McAlister

Group Discussion: Giving and Receiving Correction: Aligning with Teh and the Continually Evolving Vital Force

In this facilitated conversation, we will explore how we can more fully embody openness and teh (integrity and inner sincerity) as our TCC practice deepens and evolves. As part of this discussion we will discuss the art and service of giving and receiving correction.

Feeling the Chi in your Own Practice

Full Practice with Correction

In this full practice session, our Guide, Sandy McAlister, and our Teacher Trainers, Pam Towne and Dan Pienciak, will circulate and offer gentle correction.

TCC Storytelling and Talent Show

Co-Emcees: Neal Roy and April Leffler will host a heart-warming and fun-filled evening of personal storytelling and talent performances.

Chi Party!!!

Informal social time for those not ready for sleep.

SATURDAY

Today’s focus is “Share the Chi.” This day is dedicated to supporting your teaching and spreading the word of TCC.

Presentation: My Experiences Sharing the Chi by Jessica Lewis, who will share her experience as the sole TCC teacher in the tiny state of Delaware. Jessica, also a master personal trainer and nutrition counselor, will talk about creating a niche, generating free press, and generally stirring the pot as much as possible. Says Jessica: “The most important thing I’ve learned (so far) on my journey with TCC is that intention breeds creative energy and creative energy breeds action and fun.”

More Movement Refinement by our Guide and Teacher Trainer, Sandy McAlister

Lunchtime Networking Discussion Groups for Teaching Specific Populations / Settings: (1) Children; (2) Teens & College students; (3) Prisoners; (4) Students with Alzheimer’s & dementia; (5) Students with limited mobility; (6) How to present TCC in a corporate/government wellness program; (7) Setting a fair price for your classes; (8) Teaching Seijaku.

Small Group Discussion: The Physical and the Spiritual in T’ai Chi Chih

We’ll break into small groups to share whether we came to TCC primarily for physical or spiritual reasons, and whether and how that focus has changed for us over the years. We’ll also share how our personal experience of TCC as a physical and/or spiritual practice influences and guides our teaching and our relationship with Justin Stone’s writings, and the way we share Justin’s philosophical/spiritual writings with our students.

Breakout sessions: How to Introduce and Refine Basic Principles and Movements (choose two sessions to attend)

▪ Demystifying teaching the “Taffies”

▪ Introducing your TCC students to Seijaku

▪ Teaching alignment and the forward and back weight shift from the tan t’ien
▪ Side-to-side movements: the hip swivel & moving from the tan t’ien
▪ Discussion session: Teaching ongoing, drop-in classes
▪ Teaching seated TCC to all students regardless of whether they need to sit

Community practice: Local Students join us!

Saturday evening, we’ll gather for our annual Rededication Ceremony, as well as our Auction & Raffle, our festive yearly event to raise scholarship funds for next year’s conference.

SUNDAY

Today we’ll share news of projects and ongoing community initiatives. After our final practice, we’ll say good-bye till next year.

We are looking forward to seeing you in Boulder in June!

Your 2017 Teacher Conference Core Planning Committee

Conference Coordinator: Marie Dotts () 
Venue and Hospitality: Lisa VV () 
Registration and Scholarship: Leya Cragin ()
Program and Outreach: Lisa Otero ()