Seijaku (May 2012 Memorial Issue)

Remembering and honoring the beautiful gift Justin left all of us to share. … When I found out about Justin’s passing, I shared it with my classes and we offered our movement meditation in gratitude for Justin. I shared with my class that I believed that there were many T’ai Chi Chih classes all over the world doing the same thing.

 When teaching TCC, I often would refer to what Justin would say if he were to walk in the room. He would look at two things: our wrists and our waist. As I was sharing this, I choked up and tears welled in my eyes. I remember on my accreditation how he corrected my hands/wrists when he walked by me, slapped my hands because they were too tense. I will never forget, and neither will my hands/wrists! I am grateful for the many lessons I learned from his corrections. Some were very hard experiences, but in the end an outcome of choice, an outcome that brought growth and healing and outcome of gratefulness.

We don’t always understand the reason or why things turn out as they do in one moment to the next, but with the right attitude, heart and inner sincerity one will be blessed with peace of mind and soul, knowing that when we let go we become who we are meant to be. Sending this in love and sympathy to all those so close to Justin, and to our TCC community. In grace and gratitude.

– Judy George, Roseville, MN

With gratitude for Justin’s life, wisdom and Tai Chi Chih! Simple words from Spiritual Odyssey that carry profound wisdom and meaning for me:

• “The importance of TEH — inner sincerity and integrity.”

• “All healing, in the end, is self healing … From a healing standpoint, we are not healed; we are made whole.”

• “Within this emptiness is a circle, and within the circle are the mountains and the lakes. There is nothing empty about emptiness!”

– Deb Bertelsen, Maplewood, MN

At the 2005 Albuquerque conference we had been working on a move, and Justin called out from across the crowded room to tell me I wasn’t sinking down low enough. I was mortified! I was in serious pain from a back injury but didn’t say anything at that moment. Later, in the hallway, I told him what was going on. He was very sweet and complimentary. He could be such a charmer! I feel so grateful to have known him. Thank you, Justin, for what you have given us. I feel a renewed dedication to my practice, to upholding the integrity of T’ai Chi Chih and to sharing this supernatural gift with the world.

Justin Stone will live on through his work and teachings. TCC never fails to put the pieces back together for me and for my students. Thank you for your life and thanks to The Vital Force for its unfailing recording of the memories. Justin makes me whole every day with Joy Through Movement.

– Leslie Keith, St Paul, MN

“Gratitude is a way to a happy life.” This is my favorite quotation from Justin. It has truly changed my life.

– Laurie Jacobi, Minneapolis, MN

Justin, your spirit and teaching have enhanced my faith life like no other. I’m grateful to have known you; you make my light shine. Your spirit will be with all of us, forever. We will continue to share your spirit with all of our students.

GONE, BUT NOT FORGOTTEN !!!
FOREVER GRATEFUL FOR YOUR TEACHINGS !!!
PEACE AND JOY !!!!

– Ron Barker, Columbia Heights, MN

A man of many talents leaving this world only to begin teaching others in the next.

I am profoundly grateful for the gift of T’ai Chi Chih. I am blessed and honored to pass on this wonderful moving meditation. Thank you, Justin, for providing a path toward universal healing.

– Deb Bertelsen, Maplewood, MN

What a wonderful, powerful, thought provoking, soul-awakening gift you gave to us in T’ai Chi Chih, Justin. I am ever grateful for this magnificent part of my life. I had never planned to be a teacher, but TCC would not let me just enjoy the flow alone; I needed to share it with the world (my little corner anyway). I have learned so much about myself and the world though TCC and you. In deepest gratitude from your humble teacher.

– Sue Bitney, Richfield, MN