Gratitude for First Conference in 1975

“Remembering Connection” is a great theme for the 2023 International T’ai Chi Chih (TCC) Teacher Conference this year. In early May, I re-visited the Asilomar conference grounds in Pacific Grove, California, and was again captivated by the beauty of the location. I remembered many moments from our first International TCC Teacher Conference in August 1985. How Justin reveled in seeing teachers come together and move together. Together, we experienced Joy thru Movement.

Everywhere I walked during my recent visit, I recalled seeing Justin leading TCC or small groups of teachers moving on the weathered tiles or stones. Most vividly, I recalled us moving as one on the Asilomar Beach at sunset. The Pacific Ocean waves had the same color and translucent quality. It was a Sankofa* moment to straddle past and present. To look back to the good while bringing TCC into my present. I share this reflection to remind myself, and others, of the future.

I confess that as a lapsed TCC Teacher I must admit, as if Justin were before me, that I am not practicing daily. If I do not practice regularly, I do not teach. This recent trip to Asilomar and being asked to reflect on that first TCC Conference (thank you, Kim) has renewed my commitment. I can hear Justin and comments he might well make to me — incredulous that a practitioner would “read the menu” (aka know T’ai Chi Chih) but not “order from the menu.” Now I feel the need to order from our TCC menu and feed my spirit, mind and body once again with a regular practice. (Forgive me for mixing metaphors.) I look forward to joining everyone virtually at the 2023 conference and reconnecting with former students (now teachers) and teachers (especially those in California). I will be reaching out via the online directory as I refresh my beginner’s mind.

“Remembering Connection” reminded me of an African word. *Sankofa in the Twi language of Ghana reportedly means to retrieve or “go back and get it.” The spirit of Sankofa encompasses taking from the past what is good and bringing it into the present to make progress in the future.

There is also a heart symbol and the word “Akoma” which symbolizes endurance and understanding. It represents love, unity, endurance, patience, tolerance, goodwill, and faithfulness. The Sankofa symbol translates to “it is not wrong to go back for that which you have forgotten.” Indeed!

Looking at the list of conferences that followed our first in1985 at Asilomar, in Pacific Grove, California, I am humbled and thankful. I give thanks! I GIVE Thanks! I give THANKS! According to Justin, this is the only prayer. One of gratitude. For Justin Stone and the many wonderful people who have experienced TCC (and will in the future) let us give thanks.

As I write from home in Alameda, California (coming full circle after 43 years to once again reside where I first learned and practiced TCC), I remember my connection to Justin, my first East Bay TCC Instructors (Yehudit Goldfarb and Valerie Lawson), and fellow teachers Sandy McAlister, Pam Towne, and so many others.

TCC Teacher Conferences

2023 (Aug) Virtual; Cathy Fedewa and Parker Reynolds

2022 (July) Virtual; Eliza Fulton (& Anita Vestal)

2021 (June) Virtual; Lisa Stroyan & Margery Erickson

2020 Canceled due to COVID-19

2019 (June) Minneapolis Marriott SW Minnetonka, MN; Minnesota Teachers

2018 (July) Doubletree Airport Philadelphia, PA; Pennsylvania Teachers

2017 (June) Millennium Hotel Boulder, CO; Colorado Teachers

2016 (Aug) University of Washington Seattle, WA; Lucinda Kutsko & Roseann Heinrich

2015 (Aug) Blue Ridge Assembly Black Mountain, NC; Carolina Teachers

2014 (July) Kean University Union, NJ; New Jersey Teachers

2013 (Aug) St John’s University Collegeville, MN; Minnesota Teachers

2012 (July) Red Lion on the River Portland, OR; Oregon Teachers

2011 (July) Sawmill Creek Huron, OH; Lucinda Kutsko & Roseann Heinrich

2010 (Aug) Lied Lodge Nebraska City, NE; Sr Antonia, Sandy, Pam

2009 (July) Lied Lodge Nebraska City, NE; Sr Antonia, Sandy, Pam

2008 July) San Mateo Marriott San Mateo, CA; NorCal Teachers

2007 (Aug) Hilton Woodcliff Lake Woodcliff Lake, NJ; New Jersey Teachers

2006 (July) Holiday Inn Select Bloomington, MN; Minnesota Teachers

2005 (Aug) Marriott Hotel Albuquerque, NM; TCC Association

2004 (July) Sheraton Westport Hotel St. Louis, MO; Catherine Millman

2003 (Aug) Banff Conference Ctr Alberta, Canada; CheryAnn Hoffmeyer

2002 (Aug) University of Incarnate Word San Antonio, TX; Alice Holden

2001 (Aug) St Mary’s College Moraga, CA; Sandy McAlister

2000 (July) Xavier Center Convent Station, NJ; Sr Antonia Cooper

1999 (Aug) Concordia University Saint Paul, MN; Vivian Hoff

1998 (July) Crown Plaza Hotel Albuquerque, NM; Rhonda St. Martin

1997 (July) Chapman College Orange, CA; Timothy Stuetz

1996 (Aug) University of San Diego San Diego, CA; Susan Patterson

1995 (Aug) Regis University Denver, CO; Pat Hill

1994 (Aug) Vallombrosa Menlo Park, CA; Sandra Tanner

1993 (July) Cabrini Retreat Center Des Plaines, IL; Hannah Hedrick

1992 (July) Vallombrosa Menlo Park, CA; Pam Towne

1991 (Aug) Inver Hills College Minneapolis, MN; Jeanne Carlson-Linscott

1990 (Aug) Vallombrosa Menlo Park, CA; Sandy McAlister

1989 (Aug) Sheraton Old Town Albuquerque, NM; Carmen Brocklehurst

1988 (Aug) Vallombrosa Menlo Park, CA; Sandy McAlister

1987 Not Held

1986 (Aug) Vallombrosa Menlo Park, CA; Sandy McAlister

1985 (Aug) Asilomar Pacific Grove, CA; Lucy Hocking

1974 T’ai Chi Chih Originated by Justin Stone