Turning Point

When I first was introduced to T’ai Chi Chih by my instructor Jean Katus in 1978 I had no idea the impact it would have on my life. Not just in one dimension or aspect of myself, but the complete package of who and what I was. When certified to teach in 1985 by Steve Ridley (and still not feeling like I knew EVERYTHING I had to in order to share this with others), his words stayed with me. “Write to Justin F. Stone, the originator of this movement to let him know your feelings and the responses.” I was surprised. I knew Steve and felt not shy about writing him, but Justin I had not met as yet and didn’t know that particular entering condition. In my life training in academia and company hierarchy, this was unusual. One learns the chain of command and proceeds through the proper channels. Steve was sincere and empathic at that time, repeating, “Stay in touch with Justin.”

This was the second step in self-assertion. The first was having the confidence to become accredited even though I didn’t “know everything” (does one ever!!) The second was writing to Justin and finding consistent unconditional joy with his responsiveness. Both these steps have assisted me in following the chi of faith. Of not having all the stages written up and out but knowing these stages are being re-written and we are part of the script.

The most recent experience with Justin and meditation at Green Gulch was a turning point in my inner life. The gentle guidance given granted all those in attendance be they neonates with meditation this time around or practitioners of several decades. It mattered not. The congruence and lift off was consistently stable and guided by the elements of nature around. Be it the raindrops on the Yurt, or the owls hooting, frogs croaking, birds conversing. Suddenly none of that was out there; all was part of in here and became immersed in a merger of life current flowing through all.

I am thanking you, Justin, for the gracious gift of yourself that you offered to us all. I was spiritually fed and am returning to my day-to-day life mantra refreshed, re-assessing choices, energized. I am acknowledging also your embracing of life by living the Tao philosophy and allowing each of us to journey the chi within–not-judging nor condemning but through loving the very life force that connects each of us as we continue to awaken on this path of enlightenment that begins softly: focus on the soles of the feet, moving slowly, confidently to merge all inner dynamics known and unknown, around the platter, offering all up to be released, and then pulling in restructuring, regrouping actively integrating intentionality in all movement.

I hold in remembrance all who were there. Thank you!

– Chris McLain
Fargo ND