Continuing the Connection 2021 TCC Conference

I volunteered to be an MC (master of ceremonies) during the T’ai Chi Chih (TCC) conference. I so often hear people say that in the “COVID-19-year of 2020, this happened, that happened, I discovered this, I found out how to do that, I didn’t know I could do that” and on and on.

I discovered my voice, which sounds odd since I’ve been using my voice to teach TCC for 32 years. But that’s how it feels to me. I’m speaking up and out more. I share my opinions at times (softly). I feel more confident, more joy, and I laugh more too. Hence my willingness to say yes to being an MC.

Participating in the 2020-21 Tuesday teacher practices led by Sandy (and then Seijaku practices led by Pam) helped keep me sane and grounded. Perhaps I have discovered my voice through TCC and Seijaku?

In mid-September 2020, Lisa Stroyan emailed a handful of us who had been on some Zoom TCC practices together: Subject: An Idea… What do you think? “What if our informally created online community group morphed into the conference committee?” The 2021 conference was born.

Amazing, fabulous, joyful, unbelievable Zoom conference. There was a sense of family as we moved, shared, listened, laughed, and shed tears of emotions throughout the four days. I was filled each moment with wonder as the conference flowed on Zoom. Each presentation was a gift filled with talent, knowledge, and professionalism.

Thanks to the entire conference planning team: Jim and Lorel Maple, Judy Kistler-Robinson, Sky Young-Wick, Barbara Thurber, Stephen Thompson, Karin Hampton, Laurie Thomas and Charlise Latour. Special thank you to Lisa Stroyan and Margery Erickson.