Why Attend Conference?

I was fortunate to be accredited to teach T’ai Chi Chih (TCC) in 1984, before the first teacher conference was held in 1985 at Asilomar, California. I’ve attended every conference because I come home feeling renewed in the essence of TCC, re-dedicated to my practice and teaching, and filled with loving Chi from heart connections with so many teachers.

Going to conference has been a highlight of the year. Even on a stringent budget it was a priority. Looking back, I recall special memories; feeling the power of so many years of cumulative Chi in our group practice with more than 100 teachers moving together as One; discovering new depths to TCC; learning how to move more effortlessly; experiencing a tremendous flow of Chi; re-connecting with old friends and making new ones; gracefully concluding with a silent TCC practice on Sunday before heading home with a full heart.

This year conference is extra special in a couple of ways. First, it has been five years since we were last together in-person for a teacher conference. Zoom has been wonderful for keeping us connected and growing our community, but there is nothing like being together in person. All teachers accredited during the past five years have not yet had this profound experience.

Secondly, this year is TCC’s 50th birthday. It was 1974 when Justin Stone first taught our beneficial form in Albuquerque. So, it seems appropriate to be celebrating together in that same city.

Wonderful experiences await us in Albuquerque in July. If you are a TCC teacher thinking it’s not worth going to conference this year, I invite you to think again. And to join me in New Mexico. You’ll be glad you did.