Responses Following the Conference

I came home from the conference both frustrated and inspired. Like many other attendees, I was frustrated that so much of our time was taken by the teacher preparation discussion. Yet I was inspired and proud of the sincerity and caring shown by each person who spoke to the issue. I felt that each one truly wants the best for the T’ai Chi Chih community, and I trust the mighty power of the chi to inspire Ed, Pam and Sandy as they continue to work through the process.

Names I see in Vital Force became faces and personalities of loving, dedicated TCC teachers and friends. The members of SARA, the host committee, were outstanding. Our every need was quickly and lovingly addressed; from soap to water to rides. San Antonio did live up to its reputation as the sweatiest city, but we just drank more water and let it flow. My beautiful polished river stone will be a reminder of the joyous reunion at the “bubbling spring”, and I’m already planning for next year’s conference in Canada!

– Toni Corrigan
Mesa, AZ

This Conference was unlike any I had ever attended before this date. There was much less physical movement than usual, but the emotional and spiritual movement was great and intense. I see this as a sign of growth. We are asked to consider the options available for improving and spreading the practice of T’ai Chi Chih Joy Thru Movement. I am now more convinced than ever that I must take responsibility for renewal of my own practice, and that of my students. There is one appointed leader of this beautiful moving meditation. He needs the input of all members of the community. I submit my vision which is to promote an overall renewal of form for the currently certified teachers and at the same time to stop giving deferrals. After the first two days of Teacher Training, the Instructor needs to decide who is able to go ahead with TEACHING TECHNIQUES. Also, at future conferences there needs to be attention to TEACHING TECHNIQUES and the expectation that the moves are done correctly. A renewal of certified teachers will assure appropriate referrals. I commend the teachers at this years’ conference for moving very well. I commend Ed Altman for the direction. I especially thank all our volunteers. Thanks to all who helped in any way.

– Alice Holden, CCVI
San Antonio, TX

Once again, a wonderful group of T’ai Chi Chih instructors have put on an incredible conference. I especially liked the morning practice outside. My room was comfortable, the food was delicious & the staff was courteous and friendly. Every year I look forward to seeing my T’ai Chi Chih family, and to meeting the new teachers. The only complaint I have is that we didn’t have enough time to move — even though I realize that we needed to talk about the teacher prep process. Thank you, SARA, for an enjoyable conference!

About the teachers prep process — I like the idea of a two step process, but that may be because I am not sure how to tell when someone is ready to be accredited. I am willing to take a “teaching a student to be a teacher” workshop. If we implement the two step process, I would like to audit the first step when possible to stay updated — and to be with other instructors. Auditing the “second step” class would be good, too, since I was accredited in 1993 and it seems such a long time ago.

Thank you Ed and Noel for all your hard work. And thank you Ed for bringing this to the community so we can discuss it instead of just making the decision — even though this must have been very hard for you…

– Tonya Setzke
Wyandotte, MI

Moving thru “very heavy air”…
Warm Texas hospitality…
Connecting with our TCC family…
Bubbling spring fountain echoing the Bubbling Spring in the soles of the feet…
Moving together, oh so softly…
Feeling Justin’s presence…
Re-dedicating to T’ai Chi Chih practice…
Laughing & crying together…
Experiencing “growing pains” of our young community…
Sharing our collective wisdom…
Looking for solutions…
Coming to a “graceful conclusion” in our final practice…
Looking forward to next year in Banff!

All
Moving
Together
In a circle
Gratitude
Fills my
Heart

– Pam Towne
Camarillo, CA

A Mirror

At the recent T’ai Chi Chih Teachers’ Conference we looked into the future of T’ai Chi Chih Joy Thru Movement and saw many paths. We believed there was a right path, a strongest path, a best path. While we pondered each pathway, a mirror was held up to us. Within the mirror we saw ourselves individually and as a group. Even those teachers not at the conference were held within the reflection of the mirror. Looking at ourselves we were asked to listen closely, find the tension and release it so that the chi could flow freely. Maybe the exercise was not to find the best path, but to look closely in the mirror — individually and as a group. Looking into the mirror we can see the tension clearly before us, in each one of us, and begin to let it go.

– Catherine Dalton
White Bear Lake, MN

Positive/Negative – Joy/Sorrow — Always Present

If you could picture an angel standing face front, arms at sides, palms front. Fully open. On one side of the angel is very dark (black). As your eyes flow right the angel’s color gradually turns to “light.” A bright light. Alongside the angel is the word: “Transformation.”

T’ai Chi Chih Joy Thru Movement is in this transformation. We are in the process of change. Change can be a good thing, when intentions are right. It’s a cleansing….Maybe of fear, anger, resentment, control, jealousy, the unknown, etc….

I invite all of us to look deep within ourselves with truth and honesty, and ask: What am I to learn from this transition? Take inventory of who and what you truly are.

I’m excited to trust, let go, believe, and allow the chi to bring us “great light!”

To the TCC Community — United We Stand!!!

Blessings and peace to all as we heal and grow.

– Judy George
Roseville, MN

Ed, your parting words to the T’ai Chi Chih teachers at the San Antonio conference literally left me speechless! Your sincerity and best interest in the TCC discipline was never more evident than in this address. I cannot imagine anyone witnessing this event and not being comforted in knowing that you are the Head of the T’ai Chi Chih Community.

I wish that someone had the foresight to have recorded your message. The words are a blur — The message clear. The ego not present…..I witnessed Inherent Wisdom emanating from the sound of your voice and flowing from Mind to Mind! I know that Justin heard and must be grateful for his wisdom in choosing you as Head of the T’ai Chi Chih Spiritual Discipline.

As you completed your message and walked away know that you were not alone.

– Bitsy LeBlanc
Lake Charles, LA